Montanus' work was perhaps the greatest illustrated book on the New World produced in the seventeenth century. It contained over one hundred beautifully engraved plates, views, and maps of North and South America. The plates vividly depict forts, festivals, occupations, Dutch fleets, battles, religious rites, and customs of the native inhabitants. This important work was translated into German by Olivier Dapper, and into English by John Ogilby. Several of the plates were later acquired by Pierre Vander Aa.

Small copper engraving showing Dutch and Portuguese war ships in the harbor of Tamandare near Recife. After creating the Dutch West India Company to aid in their colonization of the Americas, the Dutch set their sights on northern Brazil, quickly setting up headquarters in Recife. The Dutch continued to expand their control over the area, and in 1645 a Dutch squadron commanded by Admiral Jan Lichthart defeated a Portuguese fleet under Jeronymo Serrao de Paiva in Tamandare. A numbered key below the image identifies numerous ships. Published by Jacob van Meurs. On a full sheet of Dutch text (7.9 x 12") relating to the event.

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Condition: A

Minor show-through of text on verso and marginal soiling.