- 134
Ogilby, John
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Africa, being an accurate description of the regions of Egypt, Barbary, Lybia and Billedulgerid... with all the adjacent islands. London: Printed by Tho. Johnson for the author, 1670
- paper
FIRST EDITION, folio (406 x 255mm.), half-title 'English Atlas, Tome the First', engraved allegorical frontispiece, title printed in red and black, engraved folding general map, 43 double-page plates and maps, 8 single-page plates, 46 engraved illustrations in the text, 9 full-page printed tables, early eighteenth-century half calf, one plate loose and frayed (p.77), very slight surface loss to plate at p.68, a few tears without loss, rather spotted and browned, binding rubbed
Literature
Wing O1631; Mendelssohn (1979) 3, p.571
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The most authentic and comprehensive work on Africa in English published in the seventeenth century. Africa was the first volume of Ogilby's planned 'English Atlas' series, as indicated by the often wanting half-title (present in this copy). Hence this volume is numbered "I" on the spine.
It includes descriptions of Egypt (pp.39-145), Barbary, Numidia or Billedulgerid, and Lybiไa (i.e. northern Africa, pp.146-314), Negro-land (central and western Africa, pp.315-488), Nether Ethiopia (southern and eastern Africa, including Socotra a✱nd islands of the Red Sea, pp.489-631), Upper-Ethiopia or the Empire of Abyssine (pp.632-658) and adjacent islands (including Malta and Gozo, pp.659-767).
The preface cont🦄ains Ogilby's only autobiography noting memories and partly frustrated ambitions which, as a result of the Great Fire of 1666, brought him "into a low condition, groaning under a double burden of ౠSickness and Poverty."