1681. · Nurnberg
by Dapper, Olfert
Nurnberg: Johann Hoffmanns, 1681.. [6],300pp. plus twenty-eight plates (four of them double-page) and a double-page map. [bound with:] Dapper, Olfert: BESCHREIBUNG DES KONIGREICHS PERSIEN IN SICH HALTEND DIE LANDSCHAFFTEN FARS.... Nurnberg: Johann Hoffmans, 1681. [2],170,[5]pp. plus eleven plates (eight of them double-page) and three double-page maps. Text printed in double columns. Extra engraved titlepage in first work. Folio. Contemporary vellum, initials and date stamped in gilt on front board, manuscript title at head of spine. Light scattered foxing and tanning. Very good. The first German edition of Dapper's important compilations of travels in Asia and Persia, following the first Amsterdam edition of 1672. Olfert Dapper (1639-89) was a Dutch physician and indefatigable scholar and compiler of travel accounts. Though he apparently never left Amsterdam, Dapper produced several finely illustrated volumes describing travels in Asia, Asia Minor, the Middle East, and Africa. Culled from a variety of accounts, his works were very popular, and are especially noteworthy for their excellent illustrations and maps. The first title in the present volume describes travels in Asia and contains several detailed illustrations of Hindu and Buddhist myths, as well as Indian natives and port scenes. There is also a double-page map of "Indostan," showing the Indian subcontinent. Much of the text relates travels in India, though there are also sections on Kabul and Kandahar. The second title relates travels in Persia and includes a double-page map showing the area encompassing present-day Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. There are double-page plates showing views of the cities of "Schamachie," "Isfahan," "Kom," "Derbendt," and more. Not in Cox. Scarce. BLACKMER 451.
(Inventory #: WRCAM34043)