Catalog Archive
Auction 91, Lot 460

"Voyages du Baron de Lahontan dans l'Amerique Septentrionale, qui contiennent une Relacion des differens Peuples qui y habitent; la nature de leur Gouvernement; leur Commerce, leurs Coutumes, leur Religion, & leur maniere de faire la Guerre: …",

Subject: North American Travels

Period: 1728 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
4 x 6.5 inches
10.2 x 16.5 cm
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Louis Armand, Baron de Lahontan served ten years in the French military in Canada, was involved in the Indian Wars, and commanded several posts in the west. He traveled extensively in the Wisconsin and Minnesota region and the upper Mississippi valley. Upon his return to Europe he wrote this enormously popular travelogue. In it he embellished his knowledge of the geography of the Great Lakes region, invented Indian tribe names, and created several fictions, particularly the "River Longe" extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. Over twenty editions of his book were published between 1703 and 1741, including editions in French, English, Dutch and German. The immense popularity of the book resulted in his distorted cartography being accepted by several eminent cartographers who incorporated the "Lahontan" concepts into most of the maps of the 18th century. This is the 1728 edition printed in French. Three volumes, nine maps (seven of the New World), and 19 figures. Calf binding. A bit of worming on binding, contents excellent condition. Ref: Kershaw, p. 251.

References:

Condition: A

Estimate: $2,200 - $2,400

Sold for: $2,400

Closed on 6/14/2000

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