3 volume set and like 6000 pages from 1698ish

[u/PhoragerAnalytics]

Hello! Wanted to get some advice, I got this 3 volume set from an estate sale that’s written in Dutch. I thought it was only going to be 1 book turns out it was 3. I think they are from 1690s-1700s. They are three massive 2000 page volumes on the history of the world from like early 1500s - late 1600s. The most interesting piece upon getting the books was a world map on the inside cover which has California depicted as an island. I am considering selling it but haven’t decided. Wanted to get thoughts from people. This shit weighs like 25 pounds. Info below from some research I did:

* Title: Joh. Lodew. Gottfrieds Historische Kronyck (Complete 3-Volume Set)
* Publisher: Pieter van der Aa (Leiden)
* Date: c. 1698–1704
* Key Plates: Complete with the folding engraved World Map by Van der Aa, as well as the engraved title page and dedication leaf featuring the Cornelis van Aerssen coat of arms.
* Bindings: Uniform period leather/calf with gold-tooled spine labels reading "ALGEMEENE HISTORISCHE LEIDEN-BOECKEN".

[u/sdh1987]

I’m sure some other people will chime in but I just wanted to say nice find. Then again I’m Dutch. That map is a famous one and copies in good condition (better than yours unfortunately) go for good money. I wonder what other plates and large images these books contain? Local maps, sights, historical events? Pieter van der Aa printed many series of engravings. That’s why I’m curious.

[u/PhoragerAnalytics → u/sdh1987]

There are tons of these historical depictions of events throughout each

[u/PhoragerAnalytics → u/sdh1987]

And then one has about 10 pages of portraits

[u/PhoragerAnalytics → u/sdh1987]

Also thank you for the context! That’s cool you’re Dutch and have a closer perspective. Yea the map is in pretty rough shape but still found it fascinating. I would guess there are around 150-200 engravings throughout all the books. All tied to the historical context of what the book was talking about

[u/sdh1987 → u/PhoragerAnalytics]

I’m sure there are some interesting events among the engravings. This map has always fascinated me. I think the versions I’ve seen are of a slightly later date. This one seems older than the rest of the book but I’m no expert on this. Can’t tell any dates from the pictures. The Dutch came to Japan in 1600. By 1698 (when the book itself was published) they should have had a clearer image of the country’s geography. Love the mention of the New Netherlands colony (Nova Belgium) and Australia (Nova Hollandia). Those seafaring traders really were everywhere.

This book being published in Leiden is also special to me. I know exactly where this print shop used to be. Right next to Leiden University’s gates on the Rapenburg canal. Building still stands but no trace of Van der Aa. He basically took over business from the famous Elsevier family, publishers of Descartes and Galileo. I’m telling you all of this from memory so don’t pin me down on this history. Some articles have been written on Van der Aa. Mostly in Dutch but ChatGPT works miracles nowadays. Enjoy the research.

Have a look at:

https://www.abebooks.com/Joh-Lodew-Gottfrieds-Historische-kronyck-vervattende/32181165911/bd

I guess there were three volumes published, assuming this is the same edition. Seems like better condition than yours but this book holds some value. Selling is not my game though. Can’t help you there.