Six leaves from this important history of the Dutch East India Company. These includes several copper engravings of maps and views of New Guinea, Tasmania and the surrounding islands. Valentyn’s account detailed the discoveries of Abel Tasman in Australasia during the course of his two voyages of 1642 & 1644. These leaves are from the description of Tasman’s first voyage, which was the first to circumnavigate the Australasia region and to give it recognizable geographical limits for the first time, proving that it was not part of the great southern continent.

1) This double-page (14.7 x 11.6") includes four views including one of the natives of New Guinea and one with an erupting volcano. 2) Single-page with a map showing Tasman's course in Tasmania on Dec. 13, 1642 with a view below (overall 7 x 11.5"). 3) Single-page with a view titled Anthony van Diemensland (6.5 x 5") with a banner title. 4) Single-page with two engravings - Ontong Java (6.5 x 5.2") on verso, and a map showing the Tasman's course through the Friendly Islands (6.5 x 5.2") on recto. 5) Single-page with a map of Blackman Bay, close to the northeastern cape of the present-day Forrestier Peninsula on the Eastern coast of Tasmania (6.5 x 5"). 6) Single-page with four small coastal views (6.5 x 5"). Tasman's two ships, the Heemskerck and Verhaen are depicted in each of the views and maps.

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Condition: A

A couple of leaves have some damp stains affecting the text.