2 volumes, 8vo (258 x 149 mm). Portrait frontispieces, one folding map, numerous illustrations (some full page). Original tan wrappers, printed paper labels on spines, uncut (chipping to spine and extremities, minor soiling); slipcase. Provenance: Dudley Bell Priester (1923-2017), Mississippi River collector and bibliographer (sold Bloomsbury, 20 November 2009, lot 89).

FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of Le Clerq's work which was first published in French in 1691. According to the editor, Le Clerq's work is "of high value to American scholars, since, with Hennepin's Description of Louisiana, it gives the earliest printed account of the explorations of Robert Cavelier, written by Recollect missionaries who were his companions for a series of years, and wrote from actual observation" (preface). RARE: according to online records, this copy is the only copy of the first edition in English sold at auction (the Priester copy, sold Bloomsbury, 2009). Field 903; Howes L-172; Lande 519.