LAËT (Jean de). The History of the New World or Description - Lot 108

LAËT (Jean de). The History of the New World or Description of the West Indies, containing eighteen books. A Leyde, Chez Bonaventure & Abraham Elseviers, Imprimeurs, 1640. In-folio, calf, double gilt fillet framing the boards, decorated spine spine (period binding). [XXXII] + 632 + [XII] pp. FIRST FRENCH EDITION of one of the best works on the history of European settlements in America. Copy with wide margins. FOURTEEN double-page AMERICA MAPS engraved by Hessel GERRITSZ and 64 woodcuts in the text: bandeaux and lettrines. From the Desains library, notary in St. Quentin, with bookplate. Covers damaged: jaws partially split: accident due to paper defect on f. *2: some freckling. "French translation is the best edition, and for studies concerning Brazil the additions [...] make it an indispensable work," (Borba de Moraes, I, 451): Asher, 4: Sabin, 38558: Willems, Les Elzevier, 497.