ZORGDRAGER, C. G. | Bloeyende opkomst der aloude en hedendaagsche Groenlandsche visschery. Amsterdam: Joannes Oosterwyck, 1720

ZORGDRAGER, C. G.

Bloeyende opkomst der aloude en hedendaagsche Groenlandsche visschery. Amsterdam: Joannes Oosterwyck, 1720

4to (215 x 160 mm). Half-title, engraved additional title by J. Folkema after F. Ottens with printed verses by A. Bogaert facing, title printed in red and black, 6 folding engraved maps (North Pole, Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen and Nova Zemlya) and 7 plates (one folding), errata and advertisement leaf at end: lacking 2T4 as often found, uncut, free from spotting except for a stray faint spot to deckle edges; a superior copy of a scarce work. Modern half calf.

First edition and perhaps the single best account from the golden age of Dutch whaling, and hunting in the Arctic ice flows. During the ongoing search for a Northeast passage, the Dutch were able to establish a near monopoly over arctic whaling. Ship commander Zorgdrager wrote the present from his own experiences, intending it to be a realistic account and succeeded so well that Melville drew inspiration from the work for Moby Dick.

From the library of A.W. Greely, polar explorer and commander of the ill-fated Lady Franklin Bay Expedition.

REFERENCES

Nissen ZBI 4509; Sabin 106374 (incorrect plate count).

PROVENANCE

A.W. Greely (bookplate)