Tavernier (1605-1689) was a famous French merchant whose travels pioneered trade with India and the Orient, the subject of which occupy the bulk of his writings. Two maps accompany this work (not bound in). The first is Carte des Isles du Iapon (12.5 x 8.3"), which is a reduced version of Tavernier's rare map of Japan. Tavernier had not actually visited Japan, but compiled his map from reports gathered during his travels. The map follows the Blancus/Moreira model with a slightly enlarged Noto Peninsula. Most of the detail is confined to the southern coastlines where the route of the Dutch from Nagasaki to Edo is traced. Adorned with a title cartouche, compass rose and a variety of ships. The second map, Carte Faite sur les Lieux par Daniel Tavernier en Plusieurs Voiages qu il a Fait au Tonquin (6.5 x 8.3"), is a very desirable map of the Indochine coast. The mapmaker has named the Con Son Islands "Tortues" due to the abundance of turtles and has decorated the map with a compass rose, title cartouche, ships and a lovely vignette of Neptune riding his chariot across the sea. Includes 7 folding plates that depict local inhabitants and views of their villages and the landscape. 564 pages. 12mo. Complete, two parts bound in one. Hardbound in full leather with raised bands and gilt title on spine.

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Condition: B+

The maps, issued on watermarked paper, are very good with light offsetting and binding trims at lower right. Plates and text are very good to near fine with occasional light toning. Covers are worn, edges are bumped, and there is a small chip at the head of the spine.