Kaladlit Assilialiait

4to (265 x 210mm.), 26 leaves, comprising title with woodcut illustration (of a ship and kayak), 2pp. text with vignette view of Godthaab and 39 numbered illustrations on 24 leaves (9 full-page and 30 half page, printed two to a page), original lower brown wrapper, upper wrapper lacking, lower wrapper frayed/chipped with loss

Oldendow, Printing in Greenland (published in Libri, vol.8, 1958, pp.223-262)

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

Very rare early Greenland printing.

"These woodcuts are the results of experiments undertaken in 1858-60 to test the natural capabilities of the Greenlanders for this branch of art. The whole have been engraved [and almost all] composed and drawn without assistance by 5 or 6 natives of Greenland" (introduction). The woodcuts depict local people, houses, kayaks, etc., with others illustrating local traditions: the history of Akigssiak; the defeat and destruction of the old Scandinavians at Julianehaab; Akamalik; the history of Kenake, and others.

Apart from a copy sold in June 2006, the only other copy traced at auction was in these rooms on 9 November 1959 ("An Important and Valuable Collection of Scandinavica"), lot 46. There were editions in English, Danish and French, all of which "are now great rarities" (Oldendow, p.244), and it is probable that all copies are liable to vary in content (some for example have duplicate illustrations in colour).

Oldendow notes other works published by Rink which come in different formats (pp.232-3 and 236) as well as some of the variations seen in this work (p.244).