Schefferus’ Lapland, 1674.

Johannes Schefferus:

The History of Lapland wherein are shewed the Original Manners, Habits, Marriages, Conjurations, &c of that People. Written by John Scheffer, Professor of Law and Rhetoric at Upsal in Sweden.

Oxford, at the Theater, 1674. Small folio. (29,5 x 19 cms.) [4] + 148 pp. + engraved title + folding engraved map. Many woodcut illustrations in the text.

Contemporary full calf with gilt armorial stamps on covers and gilt stamp of "the Society of Writers to the Signet" on both boards, somewhat rubbed, map creased, some slight foxing. Spine with five raised bands and green title label, expertly rebacked. Old library inscriptions and labels on front pastedown and front flyleaves. Some minor staining to the first part of the book.

Kirjallisuus

Collijn, sp. 828. Warmholtz 705 (not). Wing S851.

Muut tiedot

First English edition of this early work on Lapland and the Lapps, translated from the original Latin by Anton Cremer. Johannes Schefferus (1621-79), born in Strassburg, came to Sweden in 1647 when he was appointed professor in eloquentia and politics at Uppsala University. This his most famous work is partly based on reports prepared by clergymen in the north of Sweden. The book contains extensive information about the Lapps, their habits and beliefs, geography, hunting, trade, etc. The illustrations depict shamanic drums, handicrafts, costumes, housing, etc. This is the first anthropological book printed at the Oxford Press.

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