Delle Navigationi et Viaggi...

£48,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

the foremost authority on the early history of America A handsome set in a contemporary Italian binding. 'One of the earliest and most important collections of Voyages and Travels of the sixteenth century…' (Church). Undoubtedly a foundation work for any collection of Voyages and Travels. The 'most perfect work of that nature in any language whatsoever' (John Locke). Ramusio (1485-1557) served as Secretary to the Venetian Senate, and on retiring to Padua compiled this collection of narratives, including some manuscripts which had never been seen before, towards the end of his life. A planned fourth volume was never published as the manuscript was sadly destroyed shortly after his death by a fire at his publishers. As Harisse points out Ramusio was the first author to edit his work with care, avoiding errors and anachronisms perpetuated in previous copies of the travel narratives he included in his work. Each volume was reprinted several times, with later issues, as here, having new material missing from the first editions. The narratives include those of Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Cortez, Coronado, Cartier, Cadamosto, and many others. In the first volume, Ramusio aimed to correct the errors in Ptolemy's maps, and devoted his attention to Africa and the East, especially the annals of early Portuguese exploration, including Da Gama, Alvarez, and Barros, as well as an account of Pigafetta. In addition, this edition of vol. I includes the five letters on Japan, written in 1549 and

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.