Bengt Euphrasen, 1795

EUPHRASÉN, Bengt Anders (1756-1796). Beskrifning Oefver Svenska Vestindiska oen St Barthelemi. Stockholm: Anders Zetterberg, 1795.

First edition of an early scientific description of St Barts, St Christopher, and St Eustachius, untrimmed in original boards. The author was a Swedish botanist who made an expedition to the Antilles in 1788 funded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. An important primary source on Swedish colonial activity in the Caribbean and the natural history of the region, with an attractive map of St Barts. No copies are recorded at auction by RBH. Beinecke Lesser Antilles Collection 470; Sabin 23107.

Octavo (190 x 127mm). Folding plate and map of St. Barts (light foxing). Original boards, untrimmed, with faded manuscript title on spine (a little sunned). Custom chemise and slipcase. Provenance: "Tersmeden" (stamp and inscription) – Kalmar Stadsbibliotek (stamp).