[8], 224, [14], + [2] ad pp. With folding copper-engraved map & two of three folding copper-engraved plates (Plate I image trimmed approx. 1" at right, Plate III lacking altogether). (8vo) 7½x4½, 20th century full calf, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, raised bands. First Edition.
A rare first edition of this important account of Central America, by an English surgeon turned buccaneer, with much information on the native inhabitants and their culture. Hill lauds the book, stating that "This work contains one of the best accounts of the Isthmus of Panama, of its natural resources, and of the native Indians. In this edition, Wafer makes a strong appeal to the English government to make a settlement on the Isthmus. Thus, a `free passage by land, from the Atlantic to the South Sea, might easily be affected, which would be of the greatest consequence to the East India trade.'
Wafer, an English surgeon, sailed for the West Indies in a trading vessel. He deserted in 1679 and joined with Lynch and Cook, celebrated buccaneers, who brought him into contact with William Dampier. In 1681, while marching with the buccaneers across the Isthmus, soon after the taking of Santa Maria, Wafer was injured by a gunpowder explosion. He was left behind among the Darien Indians until he recovered. Returning to the coast, he was taken on board Dampier's sloop at Le Sound's Key. As a surgeon, Wafer gained the confidence and esteem of the Indians, and thus was able to record first hand much valuable information concerning them. In his work, writing of the Isthmus, Dampier says, `I will leave this to Mr. Wafer, who is better able to do it than any other man I know and is now preparing a particular description of the country for the press.' A third edition, with its own separate title page, was reprinted as part of volume three of Dampier's collected voyages. This edition is dedicated to Henry, Earl of Romney, and includes one page of publisher's advertisements." The map is of the Isthmus of Darien and the Bay of Panama, with insets of the North Coast of the Isthmus, and the South Coast of the Isthmus. The three plates are "The Indian's Manner of Bloodletting"; "The Indians in their Robes in Councel, and Smoaking tobacco after their way"...Cox II, p.247; Hill, Pacific Voyages, 2nd Ed, 422; Sabin 100940; Wing W193.