Descriptio Regni Japoniae et Siam …

At head of title: Bernhardi Vareni Med. D. Cambridge : John Hayes for Samuel Simpson, 1673. Octavo, contemporary calf ruled in blind (a few scuff marks, worn along the outer hinges), spine in compartments with contrasting title label lettered in gilt (scuffed, small loss to leather at head and foot); front pastedown with armorial bookplate of Sir Frederick Evelyn (1734-1812) as well as a much later ex libris label ‘J. E.’; pp. [12], 292; title-page printed in red and black, with early owner’s name struck out and with another early ownership inscription to verso ‘Edwd. Paget, 1700’; woodcut initials and headpieces; hinges cracked but still holding well, clean and crisp throughout, a very good copy in a contemporary binding.

First English edition of this description of Japan (first published in 1649) by German geographer Bernhardus Varenius (Bernhard Varen) (1622-1650), which is largely based on Caron’s account. It includes a description of Siam that is a Latin translation of the Dutch account of Joost Schouten.

Cordier, BJ, 369; Wing, V105