LA LOUBERE (Simon de). Du Royaume de Siam. Amsterdam, Chez H - Lot 134

LA LOUBERE (Simon de). Du Royaume de Siam. Amsterdam, Chez Henry et la veuve de Théodore Boom, 1700. 2 vols. in-12, (8)-436-(3) and (4)-324-(1) p., contemporary brown basane, ornate ribbed spine, red calf title and greevel, marbled edges (defects including spine epid. with worm tract on t.2). Third edition. Simon de La Loubère (1643-1729) was the last official representative of Louis XIV to be sent to Siam, in 1687. He brought back copious notes and, in 1691, wrote this work, which has been celebrated for its erudition and elegance of style since its publication, and which saw an English translation in 1693 and several editions in Amsterdam during its author's lifetime. The illustration consists of 2 head vignettes, 2 ornate initials and 38 plates, 17 of which are double-page or folding, engraved by Franz Ertinger (plans, costumed figures, fauna, flora, tools, musical instruments) and 2 folding maps: Carte du royaume de Siam ; Carte du cours du Menam depuis Siam jusqu'à la mer. (Cordier, Indosinica I, 722).