Du royaume de Siam.

2 vol., 12mo: [14]-555-[4], [4]-404-[4] pp.; 40 pl. (sl. age-toned, long tear in 1st map vol. I strengthened, sm. marg. damp stains, foxing, extensive on title and last f. vol. II, margins of pl. cut short, ink staining in lower margins pp. 142-3 vol. II).

Contemp. red morocco, triple gilt-ruled covers, gilt-orn. spines with raised bands, a.e.g. (sl. rubbed, head, tail and parts of the joints of vol. I repaired, head of vol. II reinforced, most corners bumped).

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 (culture, education, finances, music...) which was never colonised by Europeans and the earliest description of parachutes. Illustrated with 40 plates (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").