TERRA ROSSA, Padre D. Vitale
Riflessioni Geografische Circa Le Terre Incognite Disteie in ossequio perpetuo della nobilta veneziana
Padoua: Cadorino, 1686. Quarto. [32], 298, [10, Index]pp. including a portrait of the author. Half title.
Contemporary vellum, manuscript spine title
First issue of Terra Rossa's famous account detailing discoveries in the New World, as denoted by the 1686 date and the privilege below the imprint reading "Et Privilegio del Serenissimo Principe."
Includes much information on Venetian explorers, going so far as to credit Marco Polo with discovering Australia, and attempts to rename Terra Australis as Terra Australe Magallanica to honor Magellan. In this work, Terra Rossa "attempted to prove that Venetians had discovered all lands unknown to the ancients, including America and Terra Australis..." (Hiatt, p. 261). He also defends the claims of the Zeno brothers to have made a northern discovery of America prior to Columbus. A rare and surprisingly little-known work focused on early exploration of the Southern Hemisphere.
Sabin 94858; European Americana 686/157.
Item #28626
Price: $9,500.00