Delisle, Guillaume

America das Mitternachtige nach der Zeichnung des Herrn Wilhelm Delisle in Verlag Joh. Justine Gebauers. [18th Century Guillaume Delisle Map of North America].

Halle : Johann Justinus Gebauer, 1752.

Rare 18th century engraved map of North and Central America by famed French cartographer Guillaume Delisle. One page, hand-colored, the engraved map shows North and Central America including California, Nova Mexico, Florida, and Greenlandia, decorative cartouches. In near fine condition.

Bellin, Jacques-Nicolas

Carte de la Floride, de la Louisiane, et Pays Voisins. [18th Century Map of Florida, Louisiana, and Neighboring Countries. To be used in the General History of Travel].

: Jean-Francois de La Harpe, 1757.

Rare 18th century engraved map of North America by French cartographer Jacques-Nicolas Bellin. One page, hand-colored, the map shows the French territory of Louisiane and Florida.  Labelled cities and regions include St. Augustine, Savannah, New Orleans, Santa Fe, Toronto, Detroit, Mobile, Pensacola, New Mexico, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Topographical features include Lakes Michigan, Erie, andContinue reading "Carte de la Floride, de la Louisiane, et Pays Voisins. [18th Century Map of Florida, Louisiana, and Neighboring Countries. To be used in the General History of Travel]."

Cambridge, Richard Owen [Benjamin Franklin]

An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers.

London : Printed for T. Jefferys, 1761.

Benjamin Franklin’s first edition copy of Cambridge’s account of the progression of the Seven Years’ War in India, from Franklin’s private library. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf, marbled endpapers, illustrated with 12 engraved maps and plans and 6 plates, mostly folding. From the private library of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s contributions to science and politicsContinue reading "An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers."

Crantz, David

The History of Greenland: Containing a Description of the Country, and Its Inhabitants.

London : Printed for the Brethren's Society, 1767.

First edition in English of Crantz’s elaborate account of the history of Greenland. first published in German in 1765. Octavo, two volumes bound in full period-style full speckled calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt stamping to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, illustrated with two folding maps and sevenContinue reading "The History of Greenland: Containing a Description of the Country, and Its Inhabitants."

Sarmiento de Gamboa, Pedro

Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes Por el Capitan Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa En los anos de 1579. y 1580.

Madrid : En la Imprenta Real de la Gazeta, 1768.

Rare first edition of Sarmiento’s account of his 1579–1580 survey of the Straits of Magellan. Octavo, bound in full contemporary marbled calf with gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edges speckled red, illustrated with 3 folding views. Headland 35. Hill 267. Sabin 77094. Stamp of Jose JimenezContinue reading "Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes Por el Capitan Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa En los anos de 1579. y 1580."

Campbell, John

A Political Survey of Britain: Being a Series of Reflections on the Situation, Lands, Inhabitants, Revenues, Colonies, and Commerce of This Island.

Dublin : T. Ewing and C. Jenkin, 1775.

Rare second edition of John Campbell’s classic survey of late sixteenth century Britain. Octavo, four volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, raised bands, red and green morocco spine labels, gilt titles. In good condition.    

Gibbon, Edward

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

London : Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, In The Strand, 1776-1788.

First edition, first state of Gibbon’s “masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style” (PMM). Quarto, six volumes, bound in modern half calf over marbled boards by Bayntun-Riviere with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, all edges speckled red, engraved frontispiece portrait of Gibbon byContinue reading "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."

Swift, Jonathan [Robert R. Livingstone]

The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels.

Edinburgh : Printed by Mrs. Mundell, 1778.

First of 4 issues, Scotch editions, from the library of Robert R. Livingstone, with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. Small octavo, bound in contemporary calf, spine compartments ruled with Greek key tooling, morocco spine labels. From the library of founding father Robert R. Livingston. As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, LivingstonContinue reading "The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels."

Sartine, Antoine de

Carte Reduite des Cotes et de l’Interieur de la Presqu’ile de la Floride, avec le Detroit de Cette Presqu’ile et le Canal de Bahama. [18th Century Anotoine de Sartine Map of Florida]

France : Dépôt General de la Marine, 1780.

Rare 18th century hand-colored engraved map or the state of Florida published for the use of the French Navy during the American Revolution. One page, the map shows coastal topography around the Florida Peninsula depicting harbors, points, keys, shoals and low water areas, the St. John’s River, St. Augustine, Cape Canaveral, Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay,Continue reading "Carte Reduite des Cotes et de l’Interieur de la Presqu’ile de la Floride, avec le Detroit de Cette Presqu’ile et le Canal de Bahama. [18th Century Anotoine de Sartine Map of Florida]"

Johnstone, James [Translator]

The Norwegian Account of Haco’s Expedition Against Scotland.

Copenhagen : Printed for the author, 1782.

Rare first edition of this classic account of Haco’s campaign against Alexander III of Scotland in 1263, a campaign that culminated in the Battle of Largs and resulted in Håkon’s death. Small octavo, bound in half calf over marbled boards, gilt morocco spine label. In very good condition.

Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever [Of Balloons aerostatic, the way to build them, elevate them].

Lausanne : J.P. Heubach & Cie, 1784.

First edition of this work, translated as, Of Balloons Aerostatic, the Way to Build Them, Elevate Them. Octavo, bound in contemporary three quarters calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine and gilt balloon tooling in 4 compartments, marbled endpapers. This work is often wrongly attributed to Faujas de Saint-Fond, as it reprints his “DiscoursContinue reading "Des Ballons Aérostatiques, de la maniere de les construire, de les faire elever [Of Balloons aerostatic, the way to build them, elevate them]."

Zatto, Antonio [China]

Impero Della China Colle Isole Del Giappone. [Eighteenth Century Antonio Zatta Map of the Empire Of China and Islands Of Japan]

Venice : Presso Antonio Zatta, 1784.

Large eighteenth century hand-colored map of China and Japan by Venetian cartographer Antonio Zatta. One page, hand-colored with a fine botanical cartouche. In near fine condition. The entire piece measures 19.5 inches by 23.5 inches.

Cook, Captain James; Captain James King

A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Undertaken, By The Command of His Majesty For Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere. [Cook’s Third Voyage].

London : Printed by H. Hughs, for G. Nicol, Bookseller to His Majesty, in the Strand; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, 1785.

Finely bound example of Cook’s Third Voyage, “one of the most important English books published in the last quarter of the eighteenth century… considered typographically superior to the first edition” (Forbes). Quarto, three volumes bound in three quarter morocco over marbled boards by Bayntun with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, nautical gilt stamping toContinue reading "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Undertaken, By The Command of His Majesty For Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere. [Cook’s Third Voyage]."

de Vargas Ponce, José

Relacion Del Ultimo Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes de la Fragata De S. M. Santa Maria de la Cabeza en los Anos de 1785 y 1786. [Account of the Last Voyage to the Strait of Magellan by His Majesty’s Frigate Santa María de la Cabeza in the Years 1785 and 1786].

Madrid : Por La Viuda de Ibarra, Hijos y Compania, 1788.

First edition of this important work on the Strait of Magellan. Quarto, two volumes bound into one in contemporary calf-backed marbled boards with gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine label lettered in git, engraved frontispiece portrait of Magellan, 5 large folding maps on heavy paper and 5 folding tables. An important work on theContinue reading "Relacion Del Ultimo Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes de la Fragata De S. M. Santa Maria de la Cabeza en los Anos de 1785 y 1786. [Account of the Last Voyage to the Strait of Magellan by His Majesty’s Frigate Santa María de la Cabeza in the Years 1785 and 1786]."

James, Bruce

Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, In the Years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772.

Edinburgh : G.G. J. and J. Robinson, 1790.

First edition of this classic work. Quarto, 5 volumes, bound in half leather, all edges gilt. With 58 engraved plates and 3 folding maps. In near fine condition.

Laurie, Robert; James Whittle

Puerto Cavello on the Coast of Caracas; by Lt. Jones in 1741. [18th Century English Map of Puerto Cavello].

London : Laurie & Whittle, 1794.

Rare hand-colored map of Puerto Cavello, one of the earliest obtainable English language maps to focus on this region. One page, the map displays a town plan, charting of the harbor, forts and surrounding islands. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 12.5 inches. A handsome example.

Laurie, Robert and James Whittle

Plan of the Road and Town of La Guayra on the Coast of Caraccas, by an Officer in Admiral Knowles’s Squadron. [18th Century English Map of La Guaira].

London : Laurie & Whittle, 1794.

Rare Hand-Colored 18th Century Laurie & Whittle Map of La Guaira. One page, the map details the town of La Guaira, Venezuela. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 7.25 inches by 7.5 inches. Rare and desirable with fine hand-coloring.

Staunton, Sir George. [Sir George Macartney]

An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China; Including Cursory Observations Made, and Information Obtained, In Travelling Through That Ancient Empire, and a Small Part of Chinese Tartary.

London : Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. for G. Nicol, 1797.

Rare first edition of the official account of Lord Macartney’s voyage and embassy to the Qianlong emperor in 1792-94, the failure of which led to the establishment of the British trading post at Hong Kong. Three volumes (two quarto volumes of text and one folio atlas volume of plates) bound by Clarke Preston in full diced calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raisedContinue reading "An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China; Including Cursory Observations Made, and Information Obtained, In Travelling Through That Ancient Empire, and a Small Part of Chinese Tartary."

Volney, Constantin Francois. [Napoleon Bonaparte: His Copy]

Voyage en Syrie et en Egypte, Pendant Les Annees 1783, 84, et 85. [Travel to Syria and Egypt, During the Years 1783, 84, and 85].

A Paris : Chez Dugour et Durand, Libraires, Rue et Hotel Serpente, 1799.

Volney’s important work on Egypt and Syria, from the library in exile of Napoleon Bonaparte with his annotations and corrections throughout, several made as he was dictating details from the Egyptian Campaign for his own Memoirs. This copy may also have accompanied him during his Egyptian Campaigns; it is known that Napoleon brought along aContinue reading "Voyage en Syrie et en Egypte, Pendant Les Annees 1783, 84, et 85. [Travel to Syria and Egypt, During the Years 1783, 84, and 85]."

Burney, Capt. James

A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. Illustrated with Charts.

London : Printed by Luke Hansard, 1803.

Rare first edition of “the most important general history of early South Seas discoveries, containing practically everything of importance on the subject; collected from all sources, with the most important remarks concerning them. Many of the early voyages to California would be inaccessible were they not collected herein” (Hill). Quarto, 5 volumes bound in fullContinue reading "A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. Illustrated with Charts."

Rainsford, Marcus

An Historical Account of the Black Empire of Hayti: Comprehending a View of The Principal Transactions in the Revolution of Saint Domingo; With Its Antient and Modern State.

[London] : Albion Press Printed: Published by James Cundee, Ivy-Lane, Paternoster-Row, 1805.

First edition of this important turn-of-the-19th century work on the inhabitants of Haiti and St. Domingo which discusses at length the struggle for independence among the black colonies, slavery, and the relationship with America. Quarto, bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, marbled endpapersContinue reading "An Historical Account of the Black Empire of Hayti: Comprehending a View of The Principal Transactions in the Revolution of Saint Domingo; With Its Antient and Modern State."

Wilkins, William

The Antiquities of Magna Graecia.

Cambridge : Printed at the University Press by Richard Watts for Longman, Hurst, Orme and Rees, 1807.

First edition of this ambitious and influential work on the classical architecture of the Magna Graecia by one of the leading figures of the English Greek Revival movement of the early 19th century. Folio, bound in full green buckram, engraved vignette to the title page, illustrated with 73 full-page engraved plates including 20 aquatint views,Continue reading "The Antiquities of Magna Graecia."

Malte-Brun, Conrad [China]

Empire Chinois et Japon. [Nineteenth Century Conrad Malte-Brun Map of the Chinese Empire] [China].

Paris 1812.

Fine detailed nineteenth century map of China by Dano-French geographer Conrad Malte-Brun. One page. In near fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 18 inches by 14.75 inches.

Darton, William [China]

Nineteenth Century Map of China.

London : William Darton, 1812.

Hand-colored engraved nineteenth century Map of China by English cartographer William Darton. One page, hand-colored. In very good condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 14.5 inches.