The Generall Historie of Virginia, New England and the Summer Isles

The Generall Historie... with the names of the Adventurers, Planters and Governours from the first beginning Anno 1584 to this present 1626. With the Proceedings of those Several Colonies and the Accidents which befell them in all their Journeyes and Discoveries. Also maps and descriptions of all those Countryes, their Commodities, Customs, and Religion yet Known. Small folio [28 x 19 cm], engraved title signed John Barra, (6)ff., 1-96, 105-248, 4 plates, of which 2 are folding maps, 2 views, Note: copies are complete without the O signature, which was never printed (see Stevens apud Church 402, p.937). Title in 6th state showing King Charles in mature years. Ould Virginia in 4th state with the addition of the name "Adams Sound" above " C. Henry". Virginia in 11th state with the cross-hatched hair on the Indian. New England in 9th state with the addition of the settlements along the Charles River and Boston appearing twice. The summer Isles in 3th state with the addition of the line "printed by James Reeve". The portrait of the Duchess of Richmond, not required by Church 422, is here in the later printing (see 402, p.938). Bound in early gilt -ruled calf, rebacked. Ownership inscription of John Frommen (?), Febr. 20 1653, Philadelphia, on front endleaf. Strong impression of maps; hairline short tear on map of New England and Virginia repaired without loss. The maps are in excellent condition, with margins. Excellent. A fine copy of one of the most important books in American history. It is the primary source for information about the first english settlements in the New World. Captain John Smith's eyewitness observations form the basis of the narrative; they were made during his stay in Virginia from 1606 to 1609, and during his exploration of the New England coast from 1610 to 1617. Smith, who played a key role in the founding of the new settlement of Jamestown, is remembered as a "tough, stout-hearted, honest explorer, surveyor and sometimes Governor of Virginia [who] still stands the unrivalled hero and benefactor of Virginia and friend of the estimable Pocahontas" (Stevens apud Church, p.988). He is credited with bestowing the name "New England" on the region previously known as "North Virginia". All of his numerous books and pamphlets were designed to encourage trade and colonization overseas. "His masterpiece is the Generall Historie, which was the first sizable work written in English about the newfound continent" PMM 124). Following a survey of voyages to America to 1605, Smith describes the physical features, natural products, and Indians on Chesapeake Bay. His historical account of the Virginia Colony covers the period from 1606 to 1624 and includes much knowledge acquired at first hand. Other sections in the book relate the histiries of the Summer Isles (Bermuda) and New England. As Church points out, given the multitude of variant states of the titles, plates and maps, coupled with the fact that "most copies lack one or more of these, it is not surprising that hardly any two copies of this work are identically alike" (p.986). This copy contains all required parts, with the maps updated to reflect the most current geographical knowledge. * Church 422; Burden,"The Mapping of North America", Virginia (state 11), Old Virginia (state 4), New England (state 9); Alden & Landis, "European America", 632/99; Sabin 82, 829 (and notes following 82823); STC 227god.