A Relation of a Voyage Made in the Years 1695, 1696, 1697, on the Coasts of Africa, Streights of Magellan, Brasil, Cayenna, and the Antilles, by a Squadron of French Men of War under the Command of M. de Gennes.
Froger, François.
London: Printed for M. Gillyflower [and others], 1698.
Price:
$3,500.00
About the item
First edition in English. Engraved additional title, 15 engraved maps and plates (3 folding). [12, including engraved title], 173, [3]pp. Publisher's ad on verso of terminal leaf. 8vo. Modern panelled calf, red morocco lettering piece. Minor foxing, bookplate removed from verso of title. Wing F2233; ESTC R38897; Alden & Landis 698/81; Borba de Moraes I:331–332; Sabin 26004; Gay 232; Hill 656.
Item #377782
Froger's narrative of the expedition under Gennes, which consisted of a squadron of six men-of-war, was sent to establish a French settlement along the Strait of Magellan. The flotilla "called at Rio de Janeiro and continued on to the Straits. But shortage of food in the midst of the Straits decided their return. They put in at Cabo Frio, Bahia, Cayenne, pirated in the Antilles... and returned to La Rochelle" (Borba de Moraes).
Although the project failed, this account contains some important details on the natural history of the regions visited. Most of the plates depict natural history subjects such as fish, mammals, and the like. The maps show Rio de Janeiro, the Gambia River, the Strait of Magellan, the Antilles (with an inset of the port at St. Thomas), South American ports, and Cayenne.
