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

Dapper Olfert

Description de l’ Afrique

Amsterdam - 1686 -
Chez 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 XVII CENTURY.

Born thanks to a group of Amsterdam booksellers who had purchased the majority of the branches related to Dapper's texts (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 this specimen, of the French translation of this extraordinary work, which remains a fundamental source for Africanists today.
BRUNET II 526
GRAESSE II 335

Contains a frontispiece with illustration, in addition to 43 double-page plates, of which one large folding 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 copper engravings (55) adorn the text, with illustrations relating to customs, ceremonies, animals and plants.
Copper printer’s device on the title page.

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

Very good interior condition as well, with all 43 magnificent plates perfectly preserved, including the large map of Africa, repeatedly folded.
All maps are clean, including the frontispieces and the 55 illustrations contained in the text.
There is a slight and constant physiological browning of the pages, with very small light spots, but the text and engraving appear perfectly readable.
Small marginal tear, well away from the text, on page 122.
Edges originally sprinkled with minium.
Original endpapers preserved.

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