Description:
Paris, Chez Piget, 1743.1 vol. (100 x 165 mm) of 1 f. [blank], 2 f., iv, 250 and [1] p., 2 f. [blank]. Marbled calf, spine ribbed, gilt fleurons and fillets, lace on the edges ( contemporary binding).
First edition. The edition is illustrated with 2 fold-out maps showing the Amazon as far as the Marony river and the island of Cayenne, and 17 double-page plates engraved by Mathey and Le Parmentier.
One of the best works on French Guiana, much sought after for its accuracy.
Pierre Barrère (1690-1755) was sent to Cayenne in 1722 as a correspondent of the Académie des sciences and the king's botanist.
The edition is illustrated with 2 fold-out maps showing the Amazon as far as the Marony river and the island of Cayenne, and 17 double-page plates engraved by Mathey and Le Parmentier.
His report is very complete: "It first examines how the first French settlements were made in Guiana. It then describes the coasts of this vast province, from the River of the Amazons to the Suriname coast (...) From there,… Read More