Naaukeurige en Uitvoerige Beschryving van De Kaap de Goede Hoop;

This is an unusual copy of Peter Kolbe’s rare and seminal 1727 description of the Cape of Good Hope. The book is usually published in two volumes; this copy is presented as two parts in one volume. Beautifully rebound in half leather (Harmatan goat skin). Blind stamped decorations on the spine, which has a contemporary label with gilt title; there are four raised double bands, marbled boards and hand-made end papers. This book is in fine condition.

This is the first Dutch edition (2nd edition published in 1777), the two parts in a single, intact volume that includes 36 instead of the more common 45 illustrations. The Half title page is followed by an engraved title page with the ‘Verklaring der titelprint’. Title page of Part One of the book is followed by an engraved portrait of Peter Kolbe. Two pages of the short table of contents and four pages of subscribers. Text of Part one is 529 pages and there are thirteen engraved illustrations, one of which is a folded prospect of Cape Town. There are five double page maps in fine condition (a few copies of the book were issued with an additional map). Part Two of the book includes a short table of contents, 449 pages of text, 23 engraved illustrations (illustration for page 203 is printed on p. 103) and an 89-page index (‘Register’).

Mendelssohn’s South African Bibliography vol 1 pages 843 – 844: ‘Exact and detailed description of the Cape of Good Hope, containing a very circumstantial account of the present state of that celebrated country, its settlements, harbour, fortress, form of government, extent, and the regions recently discovered in its vicinity ; together with an erudite description of the climate and soil of the territory ; of its animals, fishes, birds, plants, and herbs ; likewise of various prodigies of Nature discovered in the country ; to which is added a very accurately compiled account of the Hottentots from the author's own personal investigations : followed by a remarkable report on their language, religion, manner of living, singular traditions, customs, marriage ceremonies, circumcisions, and education ; also many other curious observations concerning the manners of the nation ; the condition of the colony of the European inhabitants, not to be found in any other description of the country.’

Theal’s Catalogue of South African Books and Pamphlets, p. 166:‘The handsomest edition of Kolbe’s work is a Dutch translation’

This is indeed a handsome copy in one volume, but with fewer illustrations than most copies.