Beschreibung:

LE GENTIL DE LA GALAISIERE, Guillaume Joseph Hyacinthe Jean Baptiste (1725-1792). Voyage dans les mers de l'Inde . Paris: L'Imprimerie Royale, 1779-81. First edition of Le Gentil's voyages in the Indian Ocean. The author twice attempted to observe the transit of the planet Venus in Pondicherry, India, in 1761 and 1769, failing on both occasions. ‘He used the intervening years to collect vast amounts of material on Indian astronomy and to make numerous excursions, from Madagascar to Manila, during the course of which he amassed observations on a broad spectrum of phenomena’ (DSB), including religion, social life and customs in India, the Philippines and Madagascar. Brunet III 940; Palau 134364. 2 volumes, quarto (250 x 188mm). 27 engraved folding plates, including 16 maps of the Philippines, Madagascar, Siam and other places. Contemporary French mottled calf, spines gilt, morocco lettering-pieces. Provenance : Francois Potocki (bookplate).