THUNBERG Carl-Peter Voyages au Japon, par le Cap de Bonne-Espérance, les îles de la Sonde, etc.

Cordier, 447; Gay, 3151 pour l’édition in-4.

The smaller format edition, published simultaneously with the 4to edition the same year. Pupil of Linné, Thunberg sailed in 1771 on board of a vessel of the East India Company. He spent 3 years in South Africa, then moved on to Java before setting foot on Japan where he stayed and studied for 5 years during which he catalogued many hitherto unknown specimens. Upon his return he made a stop in Sri Lanka. His very detailed accounts are an important source not only for his observations on natural history but also on the local habits, commerce, and economy. 

Fine copy.