Descrizione

First edition in French, 4to (237 x 179 mm), [14], 408pp., with additional engraved title, folding engraved map, 21 engraved plates and several engravings in the text, with the cancel leaf A2 before the map, marbled endpapers, contemporary full mottled calf, five raised bands, spine richly gilt, red morocco title label, edges dyed red, a beautifully bound copy in fine condition. First published in Latin at Frankfurt in 1673 this important book remained the standard work on Lapland for some 200 years. The present French translation is by Augustine Lubin and in the preface it is stated that the additions which begin at p.358 were provided by Scheffer himself and are not included in any other edition. The preface continues - ëon ne verra point dans cette histoire des armÈes rangÈes en bataile, des sieges des villes, ni cette fine politique dont toutes les autres sont remplies; la faim, le froid, la solitude, & la guerre contre les bestes sauvages sont les ennemis qui exercent la force & líadresse de ces peuples: nÈanmoins parmi la barbarie de cette nation, & au milieu des tenebres. on ne laisse pas díentrevoir quelques traits admirables díhumanitÈ.í. Brunet V, 194.