Three finely engraved coastal views of forts on the Gold Coast of Africa. These forts were established by various European nations to control trade in gold, ivory and slaves. They were the site of continual conflict among both Europeans and competing African kingdoms trying to control this trade. The principal early struggle was between the Dutch and the Portuguese in 1637. These views show the first European fortress (Elmina Castle) built by the Portuguese, Fort Takoradi or Witsen in present-day Ghana, and the British fort Cormantine Castle, which the Dutch captured and renamed Fort Amsterdam. They are all beautifully engraved with ships in the foreground and decorative title cartouches.

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Condition: A