BROSSES, Charles de (1709-1777). Histoire des Navigations aux Terres Australes. Paris: Chez Durand, 1756.

First edition of an important collection of voyages to the great southern continent, with the leaves 437*-450* (containing the details of the discoveries of the Dutch in Australasia, not always present). This thorough collection is one of the outstanding works on the early voyages of exploration to Australasia, 1502-1764, during which navigators touched on the supposed southern continent of Magellanica. In three parts – Magellanie, Australasie and Polynesie – it covers the voyages of Vespucci, Magellan, Drake, Sarmiento, Hawkins, Quirós, Noort, Spilbergen, Nodal, Schouten, Dampier, Roggeveen, Anson and others. The author’s goal in publishing this history of voyages was to stimulate French discovery and colonization in the South Seas, and included the proposition that France should settle Australia as a penal colony. Hill 190; Sabin 8388.

2 volumes, quarto (244 x 185mm). 7 engraved folding maps at end of vol. 2, 6 by Robert de Vaugondy including the world map centred on the Pacific, woodcut head- and tail-pieces (lacking 3pp. of errata, some faint spotting and browning). Contemporary French cat’s paw calf with lattice decoration, spines gilt, brown morocco lettering pieces (head of spines restored, two minor worm tracks). Provenance: bookplate with ‘Nil Nisi Virtute’ motto (possibly that of the Marquis de Corbeau de Vaulserre, 1732-1785).

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