Montalboddo, Fracanzano da | The earliest accounts of travels to Asia and the New World and the first such printed in German

Property from the Collection of Kenneth Andersen Books

Montalboddo, Fracanzano da

Newe unbekanthe landte Und ein newe weldte in kurtz verganger zeythe erfunden. Nuremberg: Georg Stuchs, 20th September 1508

Small folio (280 x 192 mm). a-k6 l4. Gothic types, double column, 49 lines, the woodcut title and b1 in facsimile, f6 with old repair to closed tear, l4 rehinged and a little rubbed, few leaves with restoration to either outer or upper margins but not affecting text, lacks final table of contents signature following main text at end. Nineteenth century patterned wrappers, housed in late nineteenth century half morocco slipcase.

The first collection of voyages printed in German, and a cornerstone for accounts of world exploration

"After Columbus' letters the most important contribution to the early history of American discovery" (Sabin). An exceedingly rare uncut copy of this edition of the first printed collection of voyages and travels of the Age of Discovery and a cornerstone of any early Americana collection. First printed in Italian in Vicenza in 1507, the work then appeared in a Latin translation by the Milanese monk, Archangelo Madrignano, in 1508. The present German edition was printed the same year.

In addition to the accounts of the exploration of the Americas, it contains important accounts of voyages in Africa and Asia. This work has been described as "the most important vehicle for the dissemination throughout Renaissance Europe of the news of the great discoveries both in the East and the West" (Printing and the Mind of Man).

The most important voyages include: the first three voyages of Columbus, 1492-1500; the third voyage of Vespucci to Brasil, 1501-1502; Pedro Alvares Cabral's discovery of the Brasilian, Guianaian, and Venezuelan coasts in 1500-1501; Alvise de Cadamosto's explorations along the West African coast in 1456 and Vasco da Gama's explorations of Africa and India, 1497-1499 which "opened the way for the maritime invasion of the East by Europe" (PMM).

While all editions of Montalboddo are rare, consulting the usual resources we found only a single copy of the present edition at auction for more than 75 years, whereas the first Latin has made a few appearances in the rooms over the last decade. A true rarity and desirable book in spite of its faults.

REFERENCE

Alden & Landis 508/5; Borba de Moraes pp. 580-581; Church 28; Harrisse 57; Sabin 50056.