Second Edition of An Historical and Geographical Description of Formosa, With Map

George Psalmanaazaar (pseud.). AN HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF FORMOSA, AN ISLAND SUBJECT TO THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN... London: Printed for Mat. Wotton, et al., 1705. Second edition corrected and with additions. Later calf, re-backed, with portions of early backstrip preserved, with all edges marbled, fresh endpapers, and cloth hinges. 8vo; [56], 288, [8]pp. With folding map, folding table of the "Formosan Alphabet," plus (16) additional plates, including one folding. This edition contains a long second preface in which the author addresses his critics. ESTC T137017; Cox II, p. 476.

7 1/2 x 4 5/8 in.

Private North Carolina Collection

In his search for fame and fortune, George Psalmanazar (France?, 1679?-1763) famously tricked London society into believing that he was from Formosa (Taiwan) and he wrote a book about what he claimed was his native land. He was eventually discredited, but some of the information in his book, including his invented Formosan alphabet, continued to have an influence throughout much of the 18th century. As Edward G. Cox explains, "The author, whose real name has never been found out, was one of the most celebrated imposters of all times.... Doubt at once arose over the authenticity of his narrative. The author finally repented of his life of imposture and gave himself up to hackwork and naturally to a life of poverty" (Cox, II p. 476).

Boards with staining, darkened edges, and mild rubbing and scuffing, light wear to tail band and edges, and rubbed corners; with bookplate of Thomas Clarke and gift inscription on front endpaper; interior with toning, foxing, and damp staining heaviest at upper and outer margins; repairs to title and original front free endpaper (mostly taped), and a professional repair to "Formosan Alphabet"; map with 5/8-in. tear starting at outer margin and one closed tear; occasional light grime/marks and some leaves trimmed close at upper margin with no loss to text. A sturdy, good to very good copy.