[DRAKE, Sir Francis]. - [Francis PRETTY]

Le Voyage de l'illustre Seigneur et Chevalier Francois Drach Admiral D'angleterre, Alentour Du Monde

Paris: Jean Gesselin, 1613. 8vo. [8],90,[1]pp. Lacks the world map, as is almost always the case. Titlepage vignette. Leaves A5 & A6 with a small, expert paper repair in lower margin, not affecting text.

Twentieth century morocco bound to contemporary style, tooled and ruled in gilt, spine richly gilt

Drake's Circumnavigation.

The first French edition of Drake's circumnavigation, translated from the account inserted in the 1589 edition of Hakluyt's Principal Navigations. The text is traditionally attributed to Francis Pretty, though it is more likely that the information was compiled by Richard Hakluyt himself from three or more sources (see Wagner, Drake's Voyage). Wagner notes that the additional information found in this French edition but not in Hakluyt is "small but significant" and calls this "the most complete translation of all." Drake's circumnavigation was one of the most important events in maritime history, and this account must have been eagerly read by the French, who would not undertake their own circumnavigation until Bougainville's voyage in 1766. Scarce, this title was lacking from H. P. Kraus's famous Drake.

European Americana 613/139; Sir Francis Drake as seen by his Contemporaries, p.60; Wagner, Spanish Southwest 9b; Wagner, Sir Francis Drake's Voyage Around the World, p.238-240; Sabin 20844; Leclerc 2743; Palau 76150.

Item #23583

Price: $25,000.00