Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 68635:
Description
This rare, first, and only edition is Johannes de Laet’s
Historie ofte Iaerlijck Verhael van de Verrichtinghen der Geoctroyeerde West-Indische Compagnie, zedert haer Begin, tot het eynde van ‘t jaer sesthien-hondert ses-en-dertich. The work was published in Leyden in 1644 by B. & A. Elzevier.
The volume is complete with 13 double page engraved maps and views. It is bound in contemporary blind-tooled and paneled calf with richly gilt spine with new endpapers. The work is an important source for the history of the Dutch West India Company. "In this work the Company’s operations, especially in Brazil, are described with meticulous detail." (Klooster, The Dutch in the Americas 1600-1800, p.45). It details Jan Janszoon van Hoorn’s 1633 privateering expedition for the Dutch West India Company to steal silver from the Spanish. This assignment resulted in the sacking of Campeche, Mexico and burning of Trujillo, Hondorus. (Swann, Sale 2648, 2023)
Johannes de Laet (1581-1649) was a Dutch geographer. He was one of the founding directors of the Dutch West India Company, appointed in 1619. Laet studied philosophy in Leiden, obtained denizenship in London, but returned to Leidden in 1608. Here he made a fortune in overseas trade and land investments including New Netherland. De Laet was the first to print maps with the names Manhattan, New Amsterdam (now New York City), and Massachusetts.
Provenance: Library and cancellation stamp for the Library of Congress, Washington on the title page.
Paper Size: ~ 7 1/2" by 12"
Condition report:
The work is in good to very good condition overall. There is some occasional foxing or browning to the pages. The title page has some water staining. The work is bound tightly, so it is hard to view the center of some of the plates. The binding has been skillfully restored. There is some wear at lower joint. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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