Schouten, Willem Corneliszoon.

first french edition, 8vo (160 x 95mm.), 4 engraved maps, 4 engraved plates, world map and plates are in early hand colour, contermporary calf, housed in modern half morocco slipcase

Sabin 77952; Alden 618/119; Shirely 299; not in Tiel

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1615 Schouten and Jacob le Maire sailed round the southern tip of South America and named it after Schouten's native town of Hoorn in Noordholland. The voyage established that contrary to the maps of Ortelius and Mercator the Southern Continent did not extend to the Straits of Magallan. The voyage ended disastrously with le Maire and Schouten having to return home in Spilbergen's fleet and le Maire dying en route.

The present edition is a close reprint of the first, published in the same year by Blaeu in Amsterdam in both Dutch- and French-text versions. The world map is from an earlier Dutch edition (Shirley 299).

The booklet has possibly been illustrated by an early owner who drew geometrical figures on the unprinted leaves, and on the verso of the world map.