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ENGEL, Samuel (1702-1784). Mémoires et observations géographique et critiques sur la situation des pays septentrionaux de l'Asie et l'Amérique. Lausanne: Antoine Chapuis, 1765.
The first edition of Engel’s important Arctic geography, in a monogrammed presentation binding. Engel availed himself of the most up-to-date geographic intelligence on the region by explorers and cartographers such as Kirilov, Buache, Delisle, and Gmelin, evaluating each in order to come to a more accurate picture of the Arctic. He stated definitively that California was not an island but rather a peninsula and rejected the fantastical “Sea of the West” asserted by Buache and Delisle. On the other hand, his critiques of Müller’s map of Siberia were unfounded, and his understanding of the rivers of Western North America was described by Wagner as characterized by “remarkable imagination.” The maps are by the Swiss cartographer Jacques Antony Chovin. Howes E-149; Lada-Mocarski 18; Sabin 22571; Streeter sale 3460; Wickersham 3542.
Quarto (250 x 190mm). Title in red and black, engraved vignette on dedication page, 2 engraved folding maps (light dampstain at top margin of first few leaves). Contemporary red crushed morocco with gilt monogram of Bonald, edges gilt. Provenance: Bonald – Hordern House.
The first edition of Engel’s important Arctic geography, in a monogrammed presentation binding. Engel availed himself of the most up-to-date geographic intelligence on the region by explorers and cartographers such as Kirilov, Buache, Delisle, and Gmelin, evaluating each in order to come to a more accurate picture of the Arctic. He stated definitively that California was not an island but rather a peninsula and rejected the fantastical “Sea of the West” asserted by Buache and Delisle. On the other hand, his critiques of Müller’s map of Siberia were unfounded, and his understanding of the rivers of Western North America was described by Wagner as characterized by “remarkable imagination.” The maps are by the Swiss cartographer Jacques Antony Chovin. Howes E-149; Lada-Mocarski 18; Sabin 22571; Streeter sale 3460; Wickersham 3542.
Quarto (250 x 190mm). Title in red and black, engraved vignette on dedication page, 2 engraved folding maps (light dampstain at top margin of first few leaves). Contemporary red crushed morocco with gilt monogram of Bonald, edges gilt. Provenance: Bonald – Hordern House.