An account of the European settlements in America. In six parts. I. A short History of the Discovery of that Part of the World. II. The Manners and Customs of the original Inhabitants. III. Of the Spanish Settlements. IV. Of the Portuguese. V. Of the French, Dutch, and Danish. VI. Of the English. Each Part contains An accurate Description of the Settlements in it, their Extent, Climate, Productions, Trade, Genius and Disposition of their Inhabitants: the Interests of the several Powers of Europe with respect to those Settlements; and their Political and Commercial Views with regard to each other. In two volumes

BURKE, Edmund (1729-1797)

Published by printed for J. Dodsley, in Pall Mall, London, 1765

Fourth Edition, "with improvements," complete in two volumes, of the "best contemporary account" of European colonization of the New World. (Howes). Printed by William Bowyer, whose records show only 500 copies went through the press. Demy 8vo (201 x 122mm): [8],xii,324; xii,308pp, with folding frontispiece map in each volume by Emanuel Bowen (South America and North America). Continental speckled calf, spines in six compartments divided by gilt rules, red leather lettering pieces, volume numbers in gilt to third compartments. A handsome set, tightly bond, end sheets heavily foxed, text pages more lightly so, maps fine. Sabin 9282. Todd 4d. Howes B974. Hill 218 (for authorship). Maslen and Lancaster (Bowyer ledgers) 4536. Higgs 1499. TPL 254 (first edition). Goldsmiths' 9576. Europeans began establishing colonies in the Americas after 1600, on the Caribbean Islands and the eastern coast of North America (England, France, and the Netherlands) and in Central and South America (Spain and Portugal). By then, most Native Americans living in the region had died from diseases, earlier introduced by European explorers and sailors. The first volume of European Settlements deals largely with Hispanic America, including Mexico, New Mexico, and English claims to California, Peru, Chile, and Brazil. The second volume describes European colonies in the West Indies and North America. Authorship of this work remains in dispute. Edmund Burke told Boswell that he only "revised" it. But Todd concludes that it is mainly Edmund's work, though it may also have been a collaboration with his cousin, William Burke, and brother, Richard. Howes, however, think it was "actually written by William Burke, but usually ascribed to his more famous kinsman who gave substantial help." Interestingly, Higgs notes that at the sale of Dodsley's autographs in 1833 "was sold the original receipt for £240 for this book signed by [Edmund] Burke." Regardless, the work was extremely popular and frequently reprinted and translated. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.). Seller Inventory # BB1549

Bibliographic Details

Title: An account of the European settlements in ...
Publisher: printed for J. Dodsley, in Pall Mall, London
Publication Date: 1765
Binding: Full Calf
Condition: Very Good+
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: Early Printing.