This rare book, the fourth title in Zimmerman's annual compilations, is devoted entirely to America and features the first German description of California as it was under Spanish rule. This edition contains 10 handsome copperplate engravings and maps derived from Vancouver's A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and Jakob Begert's Nachrichten von der Amerikanischen Halbinsel Californien. The two folding maps include Karte von Nord Amerika, which actually covers the middle of the continent, and Grundrifs von Washington der Neuen Hauptstadt der Vereinigten Staaten von Nord America, and an early plan of Washington DC. There are two single-page portraits; a Seminole Indian chief (Mico Chlucco) and Sir Hans Sloane, the founder of the British Museum. The remaining six folding plates show the mission at Monterey, California natives, California and Virginian landscapes, and a variety of flora and fauna. Complete, 32mo, 283 pages. Original hardbound marbled boards with gilt stamped, leather spine.

References: Cowan vol. 4 p. #905.

Condition: A

Text and maps very good with no tears or separations. Some minor damp stains and light foxing affecting engravings. Some minor rubbing on covers.