First Issue of the First Naval History
Orbis Maritimi. sive rerum in mari et littoribus gestarum generalis historia.
Dijon: Pierre Palliot, 1643.
Dijon: Pierre Palliot 1643
First edition, first issue with the dedication to King Louis XIII dated January 1643. Folio (13 5/8 x 9 1/2 inches; 347 x 240 mm). [24], 725, [1, errata], [18] pp. With engraved title-page, additional printed title in red and black, one double-page engraved plate of a view of a Roman "naumachia", and numerous engraved maps and illustrations in the text, one of which is full paged. Two book, with continuous pagination.
18th-century full calf, rebacked to style. Spine with brown morocco spine label, lettered in gilt. Boards double ruled in gilt. All edges speckled red. Board edges a bit rubbed and bumped. Some minor splitting along front outer joint, but holding firm. Some occasional minor toning, but generally very clean. Previous owner's book plate on front pastedown, and early ink signature on printed title-page. Overall a very good copy.
"A kind of encyclopedia of everything relating to maritime affairs. Pages 592-612 contain a description of America, with three maps. The cuts are copied from De Bry." (Sabin).
"The first part of the work covers ancient times, and includes an impressive folding engraving of a Roman sea-battle in a flooded amphitheatre. The second describes recent voyages of discovery, including Gerard de Veer in the Arctic, Sir Walter Raleigh in the Americas, and Magellan's southerly explorations. The numerous maps, copied from De Bry, cover all parts of the world, and the illustrations depict sailing craft of various regions." (Christie's).
Sabin 50723. Borba de Moraes 598.
HBS 68555.
$9,500.
Price: $9,500.00
Item #68555