Veer, Gerrit de

SECOND FRENCH EDITION, folio (330 x 230mm.), A-L4, many engraved illustrations and maps, modern half vellum, damp-stain in upper margin throughout, slightly soiled, a few short tears (some loss to blank margin of D1-2), fore-edge of title slightly cropped and with slight show-through of ink scribblings on verso

Alden 604/93; JCB (3) II: p.28-29

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."

A major work of Arctic exploration, describing the three Barentsz voyages for the discovery of a north-east passage to the Far East. The first (in 1594) sailed the length of Novaya Zemlya and then via Vaigach to the Kara Sea as far as the mouth of  the Ob', while the second was thwarted by ice which closed the strait passed in the previous year.

The third voyage (1596-97), which occupies most of the book, is one of the greatest in the history of Polar exploration. After the discovery and naming of Bear Island and Spitsbergen, Barentsz sailed to Novaya Zemlya, eventually rounding the northern cape. Beset by ice, the company was forced to make the first recorded over-wintering this far north, after their ship was crushed. In the spring of 1597 the survivors with open boats sledged and sailed 1600 miles around the northern cape, down the length of Novaya Zemlya, and out across the White Sea to safety on the Kola Peninsula. Barentsz however did not survive, dying of scurvy.

RARE. Only one copy of the French translation has appeared at auction in over 25 years (a third edition of 1609). Normally the date for this 1604 edition is rendered "M. VI'^c.IIII.", but in this copy "IIII" has been omitted from the printing.