Rare 19th-century album with lithographed plates after a 17th-century manuscript with a Swedish account of the Russian State by Erich Palmquist. Palmquist was captain of fortifications in Swedish service. In 1673-1674 he was part of a Swedish delegation that went to Russia headed by Gustaf Oksensherna. Palmquist was tasked with collecting information concerning Russias roads and infrastructure, architecture and technical equipment (including weapons). When he returned to Sweden, he compiled the album reproduced here, including several drawings and maps, to report his findings. Swedens National Archives retain the original manuscript album, dated 1674, a unique source for information about 17th century Russia and its architecture, infrastructure, civilisation and technology, is surprisingly little known.
Limited to an edition of 50 copies, printed in 1898. Copy no. 1 was given to the King of Sweden, no. 2 to the Tsar of Russia. The present copy is no. 7, noted on the page facing the title-page. WorldCat records only 4 copies worldwide. Binding very slightly rubbed, small stain on the spine, corners bumped, but otherwise in very good condition. One of only 50 copies of a great primary source for 17th-century Russia, written in an extraordinary calligraphic style and illustrated with beautiful drawings and maps. WorldCat 29059041 & 702648741 & 562806164 (4 copies).