“Americae pars Quinta “

 Published Frankfurt: Theodore de Bry, 1595. (This 2nd edition c. 1617)

Part 5 of De Bry's Grands Voyages - Benzoni's description of the Americas

Large Quarto - 36x25cm

• Complete: TP, Portrait of Columbus, Double page Map, 3-72, TP, 22 (of 22) plates
• Includes Rare Map of Mexico
• -Modern quarter leather binding with gold lettering.
• Good condition overall: Modern colour title page of smaller size at lower edge. Toning to plates which are likely from a different book to the text block.

This work describes Benzoni's 15 years on the isthmus of America, in Panama and Nicaragua. Benzoni, an Italian, acted as a mediator between different nations. The work describes life of the first nations of Central America. Benzoni wrote at a time when the Spanish treatment of the Indians was a concern, and described the cruelty of the Spanish towards the Indians and African slaves - the famous "Black legend". The work is beautifully illustrated with engravings of the Native Americans and Spanish conquistadors. It including images of Nicaraguans dancing, how they held their markets, and made war, and of slaves being harshly treated. Engravings depict France's failed efforts to colonise the Southern Americas.

Click here for other parts of De Bry's Grands Voyages