Les Observations de Plusieurs Singularitez et choses memorables trouvées en Grèce, Asie, Judée, Egypte, Arabie et autres pays estrangrs.; Reueuz de mouveau & augmentez de figures

Paris: Gilles Corrozet, 1555. Third Edition. Contemporary black half leather binding with brown variegated alligator skin over boards, five raised bands on the spine, title label in gilt on the spine with date blind stamped at the bottom. Very good with spotting on the edges and light sporadic foxing throughout. A handful of coded words in manuscript on the recto and verso of the title page. Ex-libris stamp removed from title and last page, taped reinforcement to rear of title page. The map of Mt. Sinai is present and bound in prior to p. 126. The map is in VG condition with a small piece of tape on the bottom rear recto, early light wear through at the center of map along the confluence of folds.. 6.25" x 9.0", Epistle, Preface and Table of Contents, 22 unnumbered pages, 211 leaves numbered only on the recto, Privelege of the king [2 pp, hand numbered]. Printed in French with fabulous woodcut first initials throughout and 41 wood cut illustrations including mammals, sea creatures, reptiles, plants, maps and a three-quarter profile of the author. Text is in italics with chapter headings and illustration descriptions in roman. The attractive woodcuts are attributed to Arnold Nicolai and Pierre goudet. In addition to the animal woodcuts, there are others including coins with Arabic markings, Egyptian style of dress, a Turkish archerer and two maps; one of Alexandria and its harbor from the perspective of the sea, and the other a birdseye view of both sides of the Hellespont. Originally published in 1553, this third edition, in two issues, was a joint effort between Corrozet and Guillaume Cavellat, with each having a named imprint. The elaborate woodcut border of the title page has Cavellat's device in the bottom corners, but the title page of books 2 & 3 have Corrozet's device with a heart and rose in the center surrounded by a scroll.<br /> <br /> Pierre Belon, sometimes included with the descriptive "du Mans", was a Renaissance Man with interest in the natural world, including the study of animals, ichthyology, ornithology, sociology, geography and as one of the earliest practitioners of comparative anatomy. Early in his career he served as the apothecary to Cardinal Francois of Tournon, to whom he dedicated these volumes. Under the Cardinal's patronage, he was allowed the opportunity to sail the near east as an attaché in the diplomatic mission led by Gabriel de Luetz to address Suleiman the Magnificent. He separated from the main entourage in Alexandria and traveled the near east cataloging his insightful, naturalist observations. Translation of the title page: "The Observations Of Several Singularities & memorable things, found In Greece, Asia, Judée, Egypt, Arabic, & Other Foreign Countries, compiled In three books, by Pierre Belon du Mans. Renewd again with augmented drawings. To my lord Cardinal of Tournon. The catalog containing the most notable things in this present book is the other part of this leaflet. In Paris, They are sold in the great hall of the palace, in the shop of Gilles Corrozet, 1555 With privilege of the King.