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Translated from the French by Edward Grimstone. [xviii], 1234 pp. Engraved title page. (Folio) 32.5x22.5 cm (12¾x9"), period full paneled calf, later rebacking, red leather spine label lettered in gilt. First Edition in English.

Grimstone's translation, based on the French work of d'Avity, provided English readers with an economic, geographic, and political map of the world some 150 years earlier than Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations. Grimstone was an influential writer and translator, and also a Sergeant at Arms of the English parliament. In his translations, including the present work, he went beyond the original work and added much new original material. Grimstone's description of the New World and the Florida coast of America, was entered into the Stationer's Register on December 2, 1614. This material was first included in this volume and provided the English pilgrims with one of their few guides toward establish a colony at Plymouth Rock in 1620. STC 988