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

Dapper Olfert

Description of Africa

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 volumes related to the texts of Dapper (1639/1689),
the author of the work, renowned Dutch writer and physician.

First edition is 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 fore-edge with an illustration, as well as 43 double-page plates, of which one large folded plate depicting the 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-engraved vignettes (55) adorn the text, with illustrations related to customs, ceremonies, animals and plants.
Copperplate device on the title page.

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

Very good also the condition of the interiors, with all 43 magnificent plates perfectly preserved, including the large map, multiple times folded, depicting Africa.
All maps are clean, including the endpapers and the 55 illustrations included in the text.
Present a slight and constant physiological browning of the pages, with very small minor spots, but the text and engraving appear perfectly readable.
Small marginal tear, far from the text, on page 122.
Original minium-sprinkled edges.
Original flyleaves preserved.

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