LABAT Jean-Baptiste Nouvelle relation de l’Afrique Occidentale : contenant une description exacte du Senegal & des Païs situés entre le Cap-Blanc & la Riviere de Serrelionne, jusqu’à plus de 300. lieuës en avant dans les Terres. L’Histoire naturelle de ces Païs, les Differents Nations qui y son répanduës, leurs Religions & leurs mœurs. Avec l’état ancien et présent des Compagnies qui y font le Commerce.

Gay, 2904 ; Chadenat, 1639 ; Quérard, IV, 325 : "Livre excellent".

First edition of one of the best earlier descriptions of West Africa.

Father Labat (1663-1738) wrote this account based on the memoirs by André Brue (ca. 1634-1738), director of the Compagnie du Sénégal who freed upon ransom after having been captured in 1701 by the Damel of Cayor. This Nouvelle relation contains highly interesting details on the trading companies active in Mauretania, in Senegal, in Guinea, in Gambia and in Sierra Leone. Also described in detail are the habits of the local populations, their religious beliefs, along details on flora and fauna. Several passages are on Slave Trade (see volume IV, p. 232) : "Différens tarifs pour la traite des Esclaves"), as well as descriptions of local produce (incencs, indigo, palmwine, etc.).

Complete with it 78 engraved plates, mostly folding, with maps, plants, animals, everyday life, and more). The 2 letterpress tables contain statistical details on local taxes mostly on trade of local resources including salt.

A very good copy, from the library of Viscount Bruce of Ampthill, Baron Bruce of Whorleton, son of Duke Thomas of Ailesbury (18th century engraved bookplate).