.jpg?w=1)
Details
JOSSELYN, John (active 1630-1675). An Account of Two Voyages to New-England. Chronological Observations of America, from the year of the World to the year of Christ, 1673. London: Giles Widdows, 1674.
The first edition of one of the earliest works on the flora and fauna of New England and the Middle Atlantic states. Josselyn, a gentleman traveler trained as a physician and surgeon, first visited New England in 1638-1639, and returned again for a longer stay from 1663 to 1671. He published only two volumes (see also previous lot); An Account of Two Voyages "is the more ambitious work: it is a rather strange compound of scientific lore, suggestions for settlers, bits of local history, and much general observation" (DAB). The work comments on the medical uses and abuses of various flora and fauna, including tobacco. "Josselyn included many medical and surgical observations with his American botanical descriptions, and also provided one of the best contemporary English accounts of New Netherland" (Streeter II, lot 635). Alden & Landis 674/105; Arents II:323; Church 627; Cox Travel II:71; ESTC R20234; Field 780; Howes J-254 ("c"); Sabin 36672; Stevens Nuggets 1567; Vail Frontier 162; Wing J-1091.
2 parts in one, octavo (142 x 86mm). Publisher's woodcut device on A1r (rust-hole on D3). 18th-century English gilt-ruled calf, gilt-decorated on spine, morocco lettering-piece (restoration to joints, light rubbing).
The first edition of one of the earliest works on the flora and fauna of New England and the Middle Atlantic states. Josselyn, a gentleman traveler trained as a physician and surgeon, first visited New England in 1638-1639, and returned again for a longer stay from 1663 to 1671. He published only two volumes (see also previous lot); An Account of Two Voyages "is the more ambitious work: it is a rather strange compound of scientific lore, suggestions for settlers, bits of local history, and much general observation" (DAB). The work comments on the medical uses and abuses of various flora and fauna, including tobacco. "Josselyn included many medical and surgical observations with his American botanical descriptions, and also provided one of the best contemporary English accounts of New Netherland" (Streeter II, lot 635). Alden & Landis 674/105; Arents II:323; Church 627; Cox Travel II:71; ESTC R20234; Field 780; Howes J-254 ("c"); Sabin 36672; Stevens Nuggets 1567; Vail Frontier 162; Wing J-1091.
2 parts in one, octavo (142 x 86mm). Publisher's woodcut device on A1r (rust-hole on D3). 18th-century English gilt-ruled calf, gilt-decorated on spine, morocco lettering-piece (restoration to joints, light rubbing).
Sale room notice
Please note that the illustration for this lot appears with lot 400 in the printed catalog and e-catalogue; it is correctly illustrated online.