A voyage to the South-Sea, and along the coasts of Chili and Peru, in the Years 1712, 1713, and 1714. Particularly describing The Genius and Constitution of the Inhabitants, as well Indians as Spaniards: Their customs and Manners, their Natural History, Mines, Commodities, Traffick with Europe, &c. With a postscript by Edmund Halley and an account of the settlement, commerce, and riches of the Jesuites in Paraguay

London: Jonah Bowyer, 1717 A good copy of the first English edition (published one year after the French 1st publication) with 37 fine engraved plates, maps and charts as called for. Frezier was a French royal military engineer, and was asked to undertake a voyage to Spanish possessions in South America to study fortifications and to chart the western coast. The first section covers his voyage from France round Cape Horn and the second gives detail of his voyage along the coast of Chile and Peru. His observations were valuable and he gives interesting accounts of local people and customs. Of interest now (particularly for those with golfing and strawberry eating interests) are his depictions of a sport that looks like golf and his discovery of strawberries which he introduced to France. Frezier made some geographical errors which Halley (of comet fame) corrects in this edition. In contemporary panelled calf which has been expertly rebacked to provide a newer spine with raised bands and title label. Some remaining gilt decoration to board edges. With frontispiece map (relaid); title page in red and black inks with small signature to top; dedication 1p; Preface to the Reader 8pp; Letter to Mr Bowyer re the English printing by Edmund Halley asking leave to add a postscript 1p; directions to the binder 1p; text - with decorative head and tailpieces and decorative initial capitals - including 24 maps, charts and profiles - 17 folding - and 13 plates - 1 folding, and some musical notation pp 1-319; Postscript by Edmund Halley pp 320-322; Some Account of the Settlement of the Jesuits pp 323-335; Index 9pp Finis. The binding is in very good condition with only slight wear. The original endpapers have been repaired. The text pages have light brown toning to edges and there is some brown marking and a very occasional light scholarly annotation. The plates and maps are in very good clean condition - one has a small repaired tear and there is light toning to edges. Circa 7.5 x 9.5 inches.