Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 4839:
Description
This first edition engraving is from Pierre François-Xavier de Charlevoix’s
Histoire et Description générale de la Nouvelle-France, avec le Journal historique d’un Voyage fait par ordre du Roi dans l’Amérique Septentrionale. The work was published in Paris in 1744 by Chez la Veuve Ganeua. The maps for the work were completed by the noted cartographer, Jacques Nicolas Bellin.
Lande called this "one of the Most Important Works on the History of Canada and of the French Establishments in Louisiana." Howes referred to it as "the Pre-Eminent Authority on the French Period in the West." The work provided essential history on North America.
Pierre François Xavier de Charlevoix (1682-1761) was a French Jesuit priest, traveler and historian. He is often considered as the first historian of New France. Numerous places are named in his honor including the region of Charlevoix north of Quebec as well as Charlevoix County and the city of Charlevoix in Michigan. Louise Phelps Kellogg wrote "Charlevoix was not of the temper of the earlier Jesuits of New France. He was by no means a zealot, and had no vocation to deliver himself to a life of suffering and deprivation for the conversion of Indian souls. Rather, he was a man of scholarly temper, interested as an observer in world affairs. […] His was an eager curiosity concerning life, rather than a burning ambition to be himself a molder of destiny."
Jacques-Nicolas Bellin (1703-1772) was one of the most noted mapmakers of the 1700s. He served as the hydrographer to the French Navy at the age of 18 and was eventually named the Official Hydrogapher of the French King. He produced numerous maps and atlases throughout his career, and helped establish France as a leading source of precise cartography.
Provenance: Ex-libis ms "J. N. Simon, 1805"
Paper Size: ~ 13 1/8 – 13 1/2" by 11 5/8" (Fold Out)
Paper Type or Special Features: Engraving
Condition report:
The work is in good to very good condition overall. There is a closed tear at the left edge tab measuring ~ 2 1/2\". There is some paper loss at the lower left edge due to the fold out nature of the plate and binding process. There may be some faint offset due to the fold out nature of the plates to this work. There may be a few minor marks or imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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