Journal of a Voyage to North-America. Undertaken by order of the French King. Containing the geographical description and natural history of that country, particularly Canada. Together with an account of the customs, characters, religion, manners and traditions of the original inhabitants.

2 volumes. Folding map. 8vo. 19th century polished calf, ruled in gilt, blue morocco labels and gilt titles to spines. A little wear to hinges. Later marbled pastedowns and endpapers. 1: [1], viii, 382, [22 index], [2 ads]pp. 2: viii, 380pp.London, R. & J. Dodsley,

Charlevoix was sent to Canada by the Jesuits at the age of twenty-three. After four years of missionary work he returned to France, whereupon he accepted the commission for this trip from the regent of France. During 1720-22 he travelled in the Great Lakes region and down the Mississippi. Although his trip was publicly stated to be for the purpose of inspecting interior posts and settlements, he was actually under orders to seek out information relating to the existence of a passage to the Pacific via continental North America. During his travels Charlevoix questioned the Sioux and traders he found returning to the Mississippi via the Missouri River. Although he hoped to return up the Mississippi in 1723, he fell ill at Biloxi and was forced to return to France from there. This work was originally published in French in 1744 as part of Charlevoix's larger work on New France; the present edition is the first separately published edition in English. "...One of the most interesting of 18th century travel books" - Graff.

HOWES C308, "b." GRAFF 651. SABIN 12139. CLARK I:60. FIELD 283. SERVIES 419. PILLING, PROOF-SHEETS 758. GREENLY MICHIGAN 12. SERVIES 419.

Stock Code: 226345