Kaaterskill Books

Translation of a Classic Work on Canada

Charlevoix, Pierre-François-Xavier de. Shea, John Gilmary.

History and General Description of New France.... Translated, with notes, by John Gilmary Shea [Six Volumes].

New York: John Gilmary Shea, 1866-1872. Illus. with 18 maps, 15 plates, and 4 facsimiles. Imperial 8vo. (11.25 x 8 inches). Three quarter morocco over marbled boards, five raised bands, gilt rules, gilt titles in two compartments, rosettes in four, marbled endpapers. First edition. Very good or better exceptionally clean and wide-margined copies, minor rubbing, closed tears to two maps, owner's bookplates on front paste downs. Sabin 12137. Field 285. Howes C307. Larned 3617. TPL 189. Item #37791

The first translation into English of this "celebrated and important work" (Sabin) of Charlevoix, who "had command of invaluable sources and shows undoubted cleverness... " (Larned p. 413). "This work is one of the best authorities concerning various Indian tribes, some of which no longer exist" (Lande 125.) "The extent and value of Dr. Shea’s work in annotating his translation of this history can only be appreciated by careful study. Through this means the translation is more valuable for many purposes of research than the original work." (Andrew McFarland Davis: Narrative and Critical History of America, Vol. V, p 63). Provenance: Geo. S. Balcom (bookplate) (1820-1900?) may have been a state senator in New Hamsphire.

Price: $1,850.00