THOMAS, GABRIEL. PENNSYLVANIA AND WEST JERSEY. LONDON: [1698].

Estimate

25,000 - 35,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

An Historical and Geographical Account of the Province and Country of Pensilvania and of West-New-Jersey in America, the Richness of the Soil, the Sweetness of the Situation, the Wholesomness of the Air... A. Baldwin, at the Oxon Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1698

2 parts in 1 volume, small 8vo (162 x 100 mm). Folding engraved map by Philip Lea, separate title and pagination for part two, includes final blank leaf H8; some spotting. Blue morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe.

Provenance

Kenneth Nebenzahl;
Vogel Collection no. 532.

Literature

Wing T964; Church 778; Alden & Landis 698/214; Howes T167; Sabin 95395

Catalogue Note

first edition of this classic promotional tract, a specific plea to the poor and indigent classes, suggesting emigration so that they "may live plentifully and happily" in the New World. The first part of the work deals with Pennsylvania, the second part with western New Jersey. Thomas was one of William Penn's first company of settlers, arriving in 1681; he dedicated this book to "Friend William Penn." According to his account he remained for fifteen years. In that time he familiarized himself with the local Indians, and the fauna and the flora of the area. Thomas presents very focused information about local Indians, from their costumes to their language: "Their Language is Lofty and Elegant, but not Copious; One Word serveth in the stead of Three, imperfect and ungrammatical, which defects are supply'd by the Understanding of the Hearers. Sweet, of Noble Sound and Accent."

The important map is only the second detailed depiction of the area and was compiled by London mapmaker Philip Lea with Thomas' assistance.