Thomas Hariot, [John White], Theodor de Bry. ADMIRANDA NARRATIO FIDA TAMEN, DE COMMODIS ET INCOLARUM RITIBUS VIRGINIAE... Frankfurt: Johann Wechel, 1590. First edition; first and second issues; Latin edition. Hardcover in modern dark brown leather-covered boards with gilt lettering and raised bands on spine. Folio. Illustrated with engraved title page, dedication leaf, plate [ I ] with Adam and Eve (with inscription), double-page map, plates II-XXIII (three folded), and Picts I-V. Collation: a4 b6 c4 d8 (map not included in collation) A6 B-C8 D5* (with leaf D5 wrongly marked D4) E8 F6. Church 140.

13 x 9 5/8 in.

From the Collection of Historic Hope Foundation, Windsor, North Carolina

This 16th century masterpiece was personally conserved by veteran bookbinder Don Etherington, Director of the Book Conservation Program at the American Academy of Bookbinding. Born in 1935, Mr. Etherington continues to teach and to practice his ancient craft in an otherwise digital world. His absolute mastery of book conservation is evident on every page of the present volume.

In 1585 English colonists Thomas Hariot and John White recorded their impressions of life on Roanoke Island in present day North Carolina. Hariot published A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia whereas White composed a suite of watercolors illustrating the region's flora and fauna, including native peoples. The efforts of both men came to the attention of Belgian engraver Theodor de Bry, who published an edition of Hariot's work illustrated with engravings based on White's original watercolors. This seminal masterpiece, printed in English, Latin, French and German, encouraged European settlement of the vast lands that would become British North America. Curiously, de Bry added five engravings to the work that likened ancient Britons and Scots to Roanoke's native inhabitants.

Many upper margins trimmed somewhat close, not impacting text; light ink inscription at the top of plate XVIII; minor occasional foxing, most noticeable on title page; mild toning, light creasing and folds; occasional minor chips and closed tears to edges and corners, repairs to several leaves; plate VIII with some thinning to paper and minor loss; missing (1) blank leaf; a very good copy with all plates and map, expertly conserved and bound.

$20,000 - 30,000