Search Results: the present state of the cape by kolben peter medley

First English edition. Printed for W. Innys. London. 1731. Octavo. xviii, (8), 365pp. (1)p publisher's ads. Historiated initials. 17 copper plates (2 folding). Lacks the frontispiece. Contemporary blind tooled calf boards, relaid to spine with red leather label. Rubbed, with age commensurate wear. Later endpapers, light toning, occasional spotting/foxing. Vestiges of frontispiece adhesion. Marginal tear or paper fault to margin of plate opposite p140, without loss of illustration. Repair to closed tear to plate p211.Peter Kolbe[n] (1675 - 1726) Astronomer, Philosopher, Scientist. Sent "to reside for some Time at the Cape of Good Hope; to make and digest the proper Observations on the Heavenly Bodies, as they appear'd from thence, for the Advancement of Astronomical Learning". In addition to his astronomical observations, Kolb studied the social life and customs of the Khoikhoi.The second volume: The Present State of the Cape of Good Hope: Containing the Natural History of the Cape was published in… Read More

W. Innys, London, 1731. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Fair/No Jacket. 365 pages (as found). Seventeen copper plate illustrations (Table 12 missing) plus frontis illustration. Two of these are folded - they are in tight, snug condition. At some stage rebound in board with leather spine and facings. The spine edges have wear but the binding is strong and very stable. The faces have wear and scuffing. They are strong and dignified. The front and end pages are spotted by foxing. The papertrims are bound. The contents are very firm to the binding. They are, considering their age, lively and engaging. They are as informative and welcoming as at publication. One of the folded plant illustration tables contentedly shows a Hottentot mother puffing serenely and happily at a marijuana pipe! There is wear and marking and staining throughout. However, the bodies of the pages are clear and bold and certain despite character-instilling tanning. A useful, gratifying, enchanting book that rests comfortably in the hand and… Read More

London: W Innys, 1731. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 8" by 5". Not Stated. One of the earliest and prominent eighteenth century works on the Cape of Good-Hope, the first edition of this work in English. First thus, the first English edition of this work originally written by Peter Kolben in High German and translated into English by Mr Medley. Illustrated, with a frontispiece and sixteen plates to volume I and a frontispiece and twelve plates to volume II. There is a folding map of the cape to volume II. Collated, complete. This work contains the earliest list of South African animals as well as a full account of the government of the country. (Mendelssohn I, pp. 844-845) Kolben or Kolbe was on an expedition to the Cape of Good Hope to compile a comprehensive description of South Africa. This study discusses day-today life at the Cape, the geography, climate, flora and fauna. There is also an accurate study of the Hottentots, their language, religion, lifestyle and customs.… Read More