Item #3409325 A Voyage to the Eastern Part of Terra Firma, or the Spanish Main, in South America, During the Years 1801, 1802, 1803, and 1804…. Francois Raimond Joseph DEPONS.

A Voyage to the Eastern Part of Terra Firma, or the Spanish Main…
A Voyage to the Eastern Part of Terra Firma, or the Spanish Main, in South America, During the Years 1801, 1802, 1803, and 1804…

New York: I. Riley and Co., 1806.

Three volumes, octavo, large folding map with closed tear at the fold, with light browning and foxing typical of American books of the era, but here unusually moderate; a very good set in attractive contemporary marbled sheep (scuffed, joints rubbed) original green morocco labels a little chipped.

This scarce New York publication is the first edition in English of this 'important account of Venezuela giving a description of the country and people and also accounts of growth and production of cocoa, indigo, sugar, cotton, coffee, and tobacco' (Hill).

This scarce New York publication is the first edition in English of this 'important account of Venezuela giving a description of the country and people and also accounts of growth and production of cocoa, indigo, sugar, cotton, coffee, and tobacco' (Hill).

From 1801 to 1804 François Depons lived in Venezuela, where he worked as a political and diplomatic correspondent of the French government. His account, which he began in Caracas and completed in France, is of great historical importance, providing the first modern vision of Hispanic America. It describes the history, conquest, topography, political and commercial life, customs and manners of the Spanish and Indians, and finance, in the various provinces in the Caribbean under control of the Captain-General of Caracas including the provinces of Venezuela, Maracaibo, Spanish Guiana, Cumana and the Isle of Margaretta.

The account was first published in Paris in 1806. This translation of the same year, which was attributed to "a gentleman" was, in fact, Washington Irving's first published work, which he completed in collaboration with his brother Peter, and George Caines. A London edition followed in 1807.

BAL, 10096; Hill, 1370.

Condition Report: Map closed tear at the fold with closed tear at the fold, with light browning and foxing typical of American books of the era.

Price (AUD): $2,250.00

US$1,477.84   Other currencies

Ref: #3409325

Condition Report