76/ 931 [America]. Laet, J. de. Beschryvinghe van West-Indien. Leyden, I. Elzevier, 1630, 2nd ed., engr. title, woodcut ills., contemp. vellum, folio.

- Stripped copy; lacks at least 52 pages; bookblock broken; libr. stamps on engr. title. Backcover loose; spine dam. Sold w.a.f.

= Cf. Tiele 626; Willems 230; Asher 2; Sabin 38554; Borba de Moraes I, p.450. De Laet (Antwerp, 1581-1649) had participated in the Synod of Dordrecht on the Contra-Remonstrant side and was director of the West India Company. To prepare for his work on the New World, he interviewed Dutch seamen and reviewed virtually all the existing books on the subject in all languages. The outcome was less alluring than Linschoten's Itinerario, but it was a more informative book with its clear sailing instructions and coastal cards."