THE “BEST CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNT”: EDMUND AND WILLIAM BURKE’S EUROPEAN SETTLEMENTS IN AMERICA, WITH TWO ENGRAVED FOLDING MAPS

[BURKE, Edmund and William]. An Account of the European Settlements in America. London: J. Dodsley, 1770. Two volumes bound in one. Octavo, contemporary full brown tree calf rebacked, raised bands, red morocco spine label. $1250.

Fifth edition of the “best contemporary account” of the European colonization of the New World, with two engraved folding maps.

"Best contemporary account. Actually written by William Burke, but usually ascribed to his more famous kinsman who gave substantial help" (Howes). Traces the early settlement of the New World by Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, Viking and English colonists. The Burke brothers' work proved popular, and was frequently reprinted and translated. First published in 1757. With two engraved folding maps of South and North America. Leaves A2 and A3 of Volume II (in the Contents) bound in reverse order: text complete. Howes B974. Sabin 9282. Contemporary ink owner signatures on title pages.

Maps crisp and fresh, text with only minimal foxing; contemporary tree calf boards very handsome.