La Cosmographie Universelle [Part 4 only: The Americas] [Paris: 1575.] Part 4 only (of 4). Folio (372 x 240 mm). 5A-5V⁶ 5X⁴ a-c⁶. Hand colored woodcut map of the Americas, 355 x 450mm, numerous woodcut illustrations. Period calf, heavily embossed central gilt arabesques, rebacked. First half of text lightly waterstained, binding rubbed.

Thevet's interesting work on the Geography of the Americas, with the rare and attractive map of the continent and a larger part of the Pacific by the cosmographer of the court of Valois. The text, covering Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Florida, and Canada amongst other places, is lavishly illustrated with depictions of native practices, a pineapple, a toucan, Cuba, a buffalo, and dissecting a whale. Thevet portrays himself as an expert on Florida by borrowing Laudonnière's manuscript account of the French settlements at Fort Caroline. The Brazil section is of considerable importance, containing as it does his first-hand account of the recent failed French expedition under Admiral Villegagnon. Thevet accompanied the Huguenot colonists to Rio de Janeiro and returned to France in 1556. Burden Mapping of North America 46; Sabin 95333. Sold not subject to return.