[Maritime history] Linschoten, Jan Huygen van. (Itinerario, Voyage ofte Schipvaert (...)

Naer Oost ofte Portugaels Indien). (Amst. C. Claesz., 1596). 1st edition, incomplete copy. (4),160,(14),17-82 p. Lacking title-p., author's portrait and, p. 151-4, gathering 2A replaced w. gathering <***> (as is common, but lacking 1 leaf). Contains 20 double-p. and 2 fold. engr. plates (of 36) by J. and B. van Doetecum, after Linschoten, lacking all maps. Includes two views of St. Helena and one of Ascension, three botanical plates, most others are ethnographic plates. Bound with as usual: Idem. Reys-gheschrift Vande Navigatien der Portugaloysers in Orienten (...). Amst., C. Claesz., 1595 (=1596). 147,(1 blank),(6) p. W. engraved title-vignette. Contemp. vellum, folio (29 x 19 cm). Binding worn, spine-ends dam., var. restorations, endpapers replaced, hinges weak. Some (water)staining, mosty in margin; edges frayed; a few p. w. restorations, a few plates w. major staining/ dam., overall fair to good. Sold w.a.f.

A few contemp. annotations in text, on some leaves every mention of "Jesuits" crossed out. Monumental first edition of one of the most important early travel books, used by ships sailing to India from Holland. Ref. Tiele, Mémoire bibliographique sur les Journaux des Navigateurs 83-91. - Sabin 41356. - Tiele 676.