F. Ostervalt - Cours de Géographie Élémentaire - 1780

Elementary Geography Course – Third edition (1780) – with all 5 original hand-colored fold-out maps – Rare copy

Rare third edition (1780) of Cours de Géographie Élémentaire by F. Ostervalt, published by Johannes Allart, Amsterdam. This educational work was used in higher education in the late 18th century and is known for its early and very beautifully executed maps.

The book is complete and contains all five original hand-colored fold-out maps, including:

World map (double sheet, beautifully hand-colored)

Europe

Asia

Africa

America


The cards have been unusually well-preserved for this type of work: vibrant colors, only slight edge wear, no missing pieces. The world map features the characteristic early coloring and the impression stamp of engraver H. Smit (Amsterdam).

The book contains both French and Dutch text (parallel), as is typical for this bilingual edition. The fully original leather binding from the period; the leather shows signs of aging, but the binding remains sturdy.




Condition (as requested by experts)

Band: original leather, wear on corners and back, small tears.

Interior: very good for the age; paper lightly browned, occasional small stain.

Cards: complete, hand-colored engravings, some old fold marks, small edge damages, but without loss.

Header/Title pages: present and original.

Pagination: complete: 343 pages + maps.





Details

Third edition (1780) – much rarer than the first and second editions.

Rare as a complete specimen with all cards present.

Beautiful early colors on the world map.

Publisher Johannes Allart, one of the most important publishers in Amsterdam in the late 18th century.


A particularly attractive and collectible specimen for enthusiasts of old cartography and historical geography.

English description (for international buyers)

Elementary Geography Course – Third Edition (1780) – complete with all 5 original hand-coloured folding maps – Rare

Rare third edition (1780) of Cours de Géographie Élémentaire by F. Ostervalt, published by Johannes Allart, Amsterdam. This bilingual educational work (French–Dutch) was widely used in higher education in the late 18th century and is especially valued for its beautiful early maps.

This copy is complete, containing all five original hand-coloured folding maps.

Double-page world map (hand-colored, engraved by H. Smit, Amsterdam)

Europe

Asia

Africa

America


The maps retain their bright original colouring and are in unusually good condition for their age: only minor margin wear, old folds, and no missing parts.

The volume is preserved in its original 18th-century full leather binding, with natural signs of age but still structurally sound. The text is printed in both French and Dutch, as issued.




Condition:

Binding: original leather; worn at edges and spine, small cracks.

Interior: very good for age; mild browning, occasional small spots.

Maps: complete; hand-coloured copper engravings; some fold wear and minor edge flaws, no losses.

Title pages: complete and original.

Pagination: 343 pages + maps.





Highlights:

Scarce third edition (1780).

Complete with all five folding maps — uncommon in this condition.

Attractive early hand colouring.

Published by Johannes Allart, one of Amsterdam’s major 18th-century publishers.


A valuable and collectible work for lovers of early cartography, geography, and historical books.