Catalog Archive
Auction 162, Lot 777

First Italian Edition of <i>The American Gazetteer</i>

"[3 Volumes] Il Gazzettiere Americano Contenente un Distinto Ragguaglio di Tutte le Parti del Nuovo Mondo...",

Subject: Geography Books

Period: 1763 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
9.4 x 12.5 inches
23.9 x 31.8 cm
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This impressive work is the first Italian edition of The American Gazetteer, following just one year after its English counterpart, which was published in London by J. Millar. This three-volume set is complete with 42 maps, including bird's-eye plans and views, as well as 36 additional plates depicting the people, flora, and fauna of the Americas. Rather than relaying the history of the discovery of the New World, the text discusses the political, cultural, and commercial aspects of various countries in the Americas, with particular attention to the British colonies.

Of particular interest are maps depicting the Great Lakes, Florida, Cuba, the Amazon River, and the cities of New York, Boston, St. Augustine, Pensacola, Quebec, Havana, and Cartagena. Some of the plates focus on Native Americans engaged in activities such as hunting, fishing, sailing, and making cotton and tobacco. Numerous animals are also depicted, including the bison, pelican, squirrel, penguin, armadillo, and porcupine, among others.

Missing only the list of maps for the first volume, which is supplied in photocopy. 3 volumes, 216 pp.; 256 pp.; 253 pp. 78 engraved maps and plates. Original full calf with raised bands, gilt tooling and titling on red and black leather labels on spine, and original green ribbon page markers. Published by Marco Coltellini in Livorno.

References: Howes #A207; Sabin #26814.

Condition: A

The maps, plates and text are nearly all in near fine (A) condition, with very minor occasional soiling. A few maps have faintly visible old library stamps that have been mostly removed; two of the stamps are still visible but illegible. Three maps (Florida, Panama, and Santiago, Chile) were trimmed inside the map border by the book binder, who then reattached the border of the maps of Florida and Santiago prior to painting the fore-edges red. The bindings are sound, and the covers and spine show light wear with bumped corners, a few small abrasions, and minor cracking.

Estimate: $5,500 - $7,000

Sold for: $3,250

Closed on 4/26/2017

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