Dapper (first edition) - Description de l’ Afrique - 1686

Dapper Olfert

Description of Africa

Amsterdam - 1686 -
At Wolfgang, Waesberge, Boom &
van Someren

(8), 534, (22) p.
In folio grande - 37.5 X 25 cm. -

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORK DEDICATED TO AFRICA OF THE 17th CENTURY.

Born thanks to a group of Amsterdam booksellers who had purchased the majority of the branches related to the texts of Dapper (1639/1689),
the author of the work, a famous Dutch writer and physician.

First edition very rare, especially if COMPLETE with all the plates, as in the present copy, of the French translation of this extraordinary work, which still today constitutes a fundamental source for Africanists.
BRUNET II 526
GRAESSE II 335

Contains a figurated frontispiece, as well as 43 double-page plates, of which one large folded plate depicting the geographical map of Africa.
Also present are the maps of Egypt, Morocco, Guinea, Congo, etc..

Plans and views of the main cities, all detailed with extraordinary refinement of copper engravings.
Numerous large copperplate vignettes (55) adorn the text, with illustrations relating to uses, customs, ceremonies, animals and plants.
Copperplate printer’s mark on the frontispiece.

Wonderful and robust contemporary binding in full leather, with a six-nerved spine, bearing elaborate gold decorations, as well as a red morocco inlay, in a double gold-ruled frame, containing the title.
Excellent conservation.

The interiors are also very good, with all 43 magnificent plates perfectly preserved, including the large map, repeatedly folded, depicting Africa.
All the maps are clean, including the frontispieces and the 55 illustrations included in the text.
Present a slight and constant physiological browning of the pages, with very small light spots, but the text and engraving appear perfectly legible.
Small marginal tear, far from the text, on page 122.
Edges sprinkled with minium originally.
Original flyleaves preserved.

Magnificent copy, very rare to find in such fresh condition, complete and original in every part.
COLLATED. COMPLETE