A Voyage to the South-Sea And along the Coasts of Chili and Peru, in the Years 1712, 1713, and 1714 Particularly Describing the Genius and Constitution of the Inhabitants, as well Indians as Spaniards: Their Customs and Manners, Their Natural History,

355+[9]+index pages 36 of 37 maps and copper cuts of the coasts, harbor, cities, plants and other curiosities (comprising: 14 plates [3 folding], 22 maps, charts or plans [14 folding]). title page printed in red and black. Printed from the author's original plates inserted in the Paris edition. Lacks the frontispiece map. Royal octavo (9 3/4" x 7 3/4") bound in leather with raised spine bands and red label with gilt lettering. Postscript by Dr Edmund Halley and an account of the settlement, commerce and riches of the Jesuits in Paraguay. (Palau 94965, Sabin 25926, Nissen ZBI 1433, Hill p117) First English edition.

Frézier was educated in Paris and served as lieutenant of infantry from 1702 til 1707, when he entered the engineer corps. In 1712 the government sent him to examine the condition of the Spanish colonies in America. After visiting the principal points in Peru, Chili and Brazil, he returned to Marseilles. He pointed out several mistakes in the "Relation" of Father Feuille, and this led to a bitter controversy between the two travelers. Frézier introduced the large Chili strawberry into France. First published in France in 1714. The first edition into English is preferable to the French original "because it contains Halley's.... postscript, which corrects certain geographical errors made by Frézier" (Hill). "The first part of this book gives an interesting account of the voyage from France around Cape Horn... The second part relates to the voyage along the coasts of Chile and Peru, describing the chief towns and cities. Frézier, a man of observation, brought back information of considerable geographical and scientific value. Much data is included about the native inhabitants.

Condition:

Rebacked with original spine label laid down; lacking frontispiece map and binder's leaf, free endpapers renewed, intermittent foxing else a very nice copy.