Le lettere americane

Three parts in one volume [8]+xxiv+232 pages; [6]+269+[11] pages with map; 213+[3] pages. Duodecimo (7" x 5") three parts bound in contemporary half vellum with brown spine labels in gilt over marbled boards. (Howes C149); Sabin 10911) Second edition.

Gian Rinaldo Carli, also known by other names, was an Italian economist, historian, and antiquarian. He distinguished himself as a student and young scholar. In 1744 at the age of 24, he was appointed by the Venetian Senate to the University of Padua's newly established professorship of astronomy and navigation. At the same time, he was entrusted with superintendence over the Venetian marine. During these years he was part of a major dispute in Italian academia over the existence of sorcerers, with the vast majority of the academics siding with the Girolamo Tartarotti against the Marquis of Maffei and Count Carli's sharp skepticism. He filled his offices ably for seven years before resigning them to study economics and history. He works on economics attracted the attention of Leopold of Tuscany, afterwards emperor, who placed him at the head of his economics council and board of public instruction in 1765. In 1769, he became Privy Councillor and, in 1771, president of a new council of finances. In his old age, he was relieved of the duties of these offices while continuing to receive their income. During his leisure, he produced works on Italian history and other topics.

This work contains his letters theorizing about the origins of the American Indians, possibly from Europe via Atlantis to Brazil; with a long dedication to Benjamin Franklin by the publisher Isidor Bianchi. Expanded second edition.

Condition: Corners bumped, minor wear, a bit of marginal worming to the first few leaves else a very good copy.