Du royaume de Siam.

2 vol., 12mo: [14]-555-[4], [4]-404-[4] pp.; 39 (of 40) pl. (pp. 172-3 in vol. I missing but replaced by a ms. leaf, sl. age-toned, 1st pl. of vol. I bound upside down with tear strengthened, some soiling, stronger staining on quire C in vol. II, sm. marg. damp stains, tears without loss in 2nd pl. of vol. I, damp stain on pl. p. 157 of vol. I, pp. 122-3 in vol. II bound between pp. 142-3, pp. 335-6 in double in vol. II with a sl. change in text imposition, fold. of pl. p. 419 in vol. I strengthened, tear with sm. lack in marginalia in p. 227 of vol. I).

Contemp. mottled calf, gilt-orn. spines with raised bands, red edges (some sm. stains and traces of use).

Rare first edition of the account of the travels in Thailand made in 1687 and 1688 by de La Loubère (1642-1729), French diplomat, "envoyé extraordinaire" of Louis XIV who was hoping to convert King Narai the Great to catholicism. The expedition was a failure but de La Loubère brought back extensive information on the country which was never colonised by Europeans (culture, education, finances, music...). Notable for one of the earliest accounts of a parachute. Illustrated with 39 (of 40) plates (16 (of 17) fold. or on double pp.) representing maps and plans, botany, indigeneous people, musical scores and instruments, etc., and two headpieces incl. one armorial at dedication. A large part in vol. II deals with mathematics and magic squares ill. with some woodcuts in-text.
Ref. Cordier, Indosinica, 722. - Cox I:329. - Chadenat 345 ("un des meilleurs ouvrages anciens sur ce pays").