Navigation and Commerce Their Original and Progress

London: T R for Benj Tooke, 1674. First edition. Leather. Very Good Indeed. 7" by 4.5". None. An excellent copy of the first edition of this history of the Dutch and the English conflict over the sovereignty of the seas. Evelyn discusses labour and industry in this work, and how humans cannot live alone on natural endowments. It gives an account of the discovery of America by Columbus, and the Venetian Zeno. Following from this there are explorations of subsequent voyages by Amerigo, Vespucci and John Cabot. In addition to the exploits of Drake, Raleigh, Hawkins, Cavendish and Frobisher. Of industry, Evelyn explores the American plantations, fishery, whale fisheries and many more. Contemporary ownership inscription in a stylised Gothic hand to the front pastedown of Charles du Bois the English botanist and treasurer of the East India Company (bap. 1658-1740). With the signatures: A4, B-I8, K4. From the estate of John Lawson (1932-2019) a British antiquarian bookseller whose collection was vast. With the scarce errata and advertisement leaves. ESTC R8611; Keynes 92; Kress 1358; Sabin 23028; Wing E3504. Charles II commanded Evelyn to write a history of the Dutch War, which he eventually abandoned. However, from the ashes emerged this important work, which scholar Clapham credits, alongside Temple's work of the same year, as marking the beginning of economic history. Upon its publication the Dutch were offended by this work and demanded its suppression. The King agreed, though congratulated Evelyn in private. A very bright copy of this work. In a contemporary calf binding. Externally, generally smart with a few slightly later minor repairs to the boards. Small loss to the head of spine. Spine is missing a small portion of leather. Prior owner's inscription to the front pastedown. Front hinge is strained but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright. Spots to the endpapers. Just the odd spot. Very Good Indeed