1718. · Paris
by Dralsé de Grandpierre
Paris: Claude Jombert, 1718.. [10],352,[4]pp. 12mo. Contemporary calf, gilt medallion on boards, spine gilt extra, gilt leather label. Discreet institutional ownership stamp on titlepage. Some very minor age-toning, otherwise clean and fresh. A very good copy. First edition of this rare collection of travels. Dralsé de Grandpierre was a French naval officer, and this volume recounts his journeys around the world from 1700 to 1718. He gives a description of Buenos Aires, the city, people, and commerce there, as well as an account of naval combat against the British in the Caribbean, with descriptions of the coasts of Guinea and Martinique. Much space is devoted to Mexico, including Veracruz and Mexico City, and an account of the Spanish conquest and a description of the Mexican people. Another part of the text discusses a newly discovered island in the Straits of Malacca. There is also much on Africa and the kingdoms of Juda and Benin. A notable collection of French travels. SABIN 20885, 28273. LeCLERC 266 (note). EUROPEAN AMERICANA 718/48. PALAU 260452. CIORANESCU 25362.
(Inventory #: WRCAM38513)