A very rare and scarce 1723 first edition copy of Neu-eroffnetes Amphi-theatrum, published on laid paper in the German language by Johann Michael Funcken (German, 1678-1749) - "Neu-eroeffnetes Amphi-Theatrum, worinnen III. aus dem gantzen America alle Nationen nach ihrem Habit in saubern Figuren repraesentiret : anbey die Laender nach ihrer Situation, Climate, Fruchtbarkeit"

This book includes 37 fine woodcuts primarily showing the costumes of the native peoples throughout North and South America. The 34 chapters within cover a wide variety of subjects including Native Americans, Christopher Columbus, Magellan, Amerigo Vespucci, Chile, the Straits of Magellan, the Caribbean, Paraguay (woodcut shown shows figure performing an act of cannibalism), Guyana, Brasil, the Amazon, Peru, Mexico, Montezuma, California, New Mexico, Florida, Canada, Pennyslvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, New England, the Iroquois, Louisiana, winter habits and habitat, Nova Scotia, Canada, fire arrows and the native peoples of Arizona, Bermuda, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Bartholomew, Saint Martin, Antigua, Dominican Republic and many other subjects.

The following is a partial translation from the chapter on Maryland:

THE MOST CURIOUS OF THE NATION AND THE LAND

1723

MARILAND, which was given its name from Queen Mary, the wife of the English King Caroli I / has toward midnight Pennsylvanien, toward eve- ning a piece of the Terra Arctica, toward morning the Mar del Nort, and at noon Virginien as a boundary.

THE weather in it is healthy / especially since the country has become cleared / and thinned from trees and woods, which filled it in times past; the air is now most suitable for the Englishmen and is contributing to their health. The air here is moderate and pleasant the heat in the summer not excessive, since it is cooled down by the sea wind and fresh rain / and the winter is gentle and does not inconvenience the inhabitants.

THE EARTH / where it is cleared from woods and bushes is magnif- icent and blessed: straight and level. It produces in abundance not only the native fruits / but as well fruits imported by the Englishmen. There grows in this province terribly much tobacco / much grain, flax, hemp, rape-seed, hops and fruit / all in great abundance. The copious woods shelter deer, wolf, leopards, bears, martens, etc. / and the native rivers and lakes contain innumerable tasty fish. Most notable among the waters is the CHESOPEACK - BAY / which divides the land lengthwise / and is passable to ships for up to 200 miles.

THE NATIVE MARILANDER are in body and disposition similar to people in NEW-YORK. They are inclined toward cruelty and bloodshed / quick to anger. Among themselves, they are divided, lead wars and destroy one another; they are also cunning, superstitious and jealous: in other words, they are unpolished savages. What may be praised about them is, that they are respectful toward the Sovereigns and careful in their deeds toward them. They consider their present masters, the Englishmen, as more than human / impossible to devour / yes, they believe if they were to kill the Englishmen those would be capable to take revenge, even after death / During their campaigns they have neither fifes nor drums, but do intone certain songs. Should it occur that they are victorious over their enemies / or anything else that is good has befallen them, then they exhibit their pleasure by building a large fire around which they gather / without any difference of sex or age/ and start to clap their hands, thereby making a great noise."

* * *

Sales of this book very rarely occur. In fact, we were only able to find a sale of the 1724 Turkish volume at another auction house in 2019 and one of this edition from February 3, 1909 by the Anderson Auction Company of New York and an additional auction of a different volume in 1892.

Pages 9 through 12 are missing (although we have made copies of the missing pages from online sources which will be included)

Includes a 3 page translation on the chapter devoted to Maryland.

We do not know if the cover is original to this publication or not.

SHIPPING: All items for this auction will be shipped "in house". This is one of three different books issued, the other two related to Turkey and Asia. 124 pages. Please wait for your final invoice prior to payment so we can calculate your shipping costs, including combined shipping for multiple lots. We ship USPS mail and will choose the least expensive option for your items.

If your final invoice or combined invoice for this auction total $200 or more, your USPS Priority shipping will be free! Domestic US destinations only.

Pages have foxing. There are some spots and stains on some pages. There is a small amount of writing on 2 to 3 pages - with perhaps one illegible signature. Pages 9 through 12 are missing (although we have made copies of the missing pages from online sources which will be included). Approximately 5 pages reinforced with repair tissue on edges - some pages more than others. Pages dark cream to lightly browned. Please review photos closely and please ask for additional photos, which we will be happy to provide if time allows.