AN HISTORICAL & GEOGRAPHICA DESCRIPTION OF THE GREAT COUNTRY & RIVER OF THE AMAZONES IN AMERICA. Drawn out of divers Authors, and reduced into a better forme; with a Mapp of the River, and of its Provinces, Being that Place which Sr. Walter Rawleigh intended to conquer and plant, when he made his Voyage to Guiana. Written in French by the Count of Pagan, and dedicated to Cardinall Mazarine, in order to a Conquest by the Cardinals motion to be undertaken. And now translated into English by William Hamilton, and humbly offered to his Majesty, as worthy his Consideration.

About this Item

153 pp. First British edition; later, 3/4 red leather with marble boards; raised cords; gold lettering stamped across the spine. Binding tight; boards with edges rubbed; internally fine; lacks the fold-out map. Label inside front board states: The Philip H. and A.S.W. Rosenbach Foundation Museum. Released 1968. See additional images provided. Quoting Borba: p. 646 (from the French 1st. ed.): Many consider this book by Pagan to be merely a paraphrased version of Acu?a. However, a more attentive reading will reveal other sources as declared, in fact, in the title: "estraite de divers auteurs et reduite en meilleure forme." The value of Pagan's work is shown in his dedication to Cardinal Mazarin, in which he urges him to take possession of the Amazon and establish several colonies. He proves that it would not be a difficult enterprise and large armies and many pieces of artillery would not be necessary. . . La Condamine (Journal d'un voyage. . . Paris 1751, p. 192, note) writes about Pagans work. The French edition is very rare, especially with the map which is missing in many copies. Quoting Borba, pp. 647 (from the British 1st. ed.): In the original French edition Pagan recommends that France take possession of the Amazon. In a very interesting "epistle dedicatory" in this English translation William Hamilton, the translator, urges the King of England to do the same. . . This translation is rare, though less rare than the French original. Size: 12mo. 0.0. Seller Inventory # 3498

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details