PONS, François Raymond Joseph de.
Voyage a la partie orientale de la Terre-Ferme, dans l'Amérique méridionale, fait pendant les années 1801, 1802, 1803 et 1804: contenant la description de la Capitainerie générale de Caracas, composée des Provinces de Venezuela, Maracaïbo, Varinas, la Guiane Espagnole, Cumana et de l'Ile de la Marguerite; ...
Paris, F. Buisson (back of half-title: Imprimerie de Fain et compagnie), 1806. 3 volumes. 8vo. With 4 folding engraved maps, including a large map of Caracas and surroundings and 3 smaller showing groundplans of Caracas, Puerto Cabello and La Guaira. All engraved by J.B. Tardieu. Contemporary half calf. [4], 358; [4], 469; [4], 362 pp.
€ 1,950
First edition of an extensive description of a voyage to "terra firma", referring to Spain's possessions surrounding the Caribbean Sea (here Venezuela in particular), written by François Raymond Joseph de Pons (1751-1812), archivist of the French Navy. It starts with a history of the region starting at its first discovery and following (missionary) voyages and conquest of the lands. Other chapters deal with the geology and geography of the region, the inhabitants and their customs and culture, trade, commerce, slavery, resources, agriculture, warfare, religion, etc.
Slightly browned with some occasional minor foxing and some minor damage to the corners of the first few leaves. Bindings slightly rubbed along the extremities. Overall in very good condition. Chadenat 559; Palau IV 359; Sabin 19641.
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