With a Rare Map of St. Barts
Euphrasén's work describes the flora and fauna of St. Barts and nearby islands and includes a handsome large folding map of the island. The book itself stands as an important primary source for the island during the period of Swedish colonization. Trained as a botanist and ichthyologist, Euphrasén travelled to the West Indies in 1788 at the expense of the Academy of Sciences. The book also covers St. Kitts and Nevis.
The beautifully engraved chart of the island of St. Barts by Samuel Fahlberg shows bays, pathways with "Gustavia" named with a basic layout of the streets. Though the title of the map is in Swedish, all other information is in French.
The plate depicts a spotted eagle ray, here labeled "Raja narinari" (i.e. Aetobatus narinari). The spotted eagle ray is known for its distinctive polka-dot pattern and long tail, often seen in tropical and subtropical waters, including the Caribbean. Accompanying the eagle ray (on the same plate) is a botanical illustration of Hippomane mancinella Linn., the highly toxic manchineel tree.
Samuel Fahlberg, one of the most able men of St. Barthelemy, mapped the island; made the town plan for Gustavia; was secretary to the Governor; and served as engineer, surveyor, medical doctor, and naturalist. - Beinecke Lesser Antilles Collection.
St. Barts was discovered by Columbus on his second voyage and named for his younger brother. Colonised by the French it was then ceded to Sweden, by Louis XIV in 1784, for free trading rights at Gotheborg, Sweden.
There are only 3 maps of St. Barts printed prior to 1800, all of which are exceedingly rare on the market.
Rarity
This book is very rare in the market. Only 2 examples in RBH. Sabin entry describes only the later (1798) German edition.