What we collect
We specialise in the voyages of discovery that laid the foundation of Dutch and Western European prosperity, from the late fifteenth century into the eighteenth. From the great Spanish, Portuguese and English expeditions, through the pivotal knowledge made available by Jan Huygen van Linschoten, the key to the East and the birth of the VOC, to the voyages of Barentsz, Van Noort and De Houtman. The travel accounts, maps, atlases, globes, letters and instruments created in their wake form the focus of our collection, together with the books of science that made those voyages possible: navigation, astronomy, cosmography, mathematics and natural history.
Within our field
- Travel accounts and voyages of discovery, late fifteenth century to about 1800
- Maps, charts, atlases and globes of the same period, printed or manuscript
- The Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and English expeditions, and the early VOC
- Linschoten, Barentsz, Van Noort, De Houtman, Le Maire and their contemporaries
- Books of science that made discovery possible: navigation, astronomy, cosmography, natural history and instruments, to about 1800
- Letters, documents and instruments connected with these voyages
- Reference works on the history of cartography and exploration
Outside our field
- Books and maps after about 1800, unless directly related to the voyages and sciences above
- Modern reprints and facsimiles
- Literature, art books and general antiquarian books
- Loose plates cut from books we would not otherwise handle
Not sure whether a work fits? Send it anyway. We reply to every offer, and where a work is outside our field we are happy to point you to a suitable colleague.
How it works
Email us a few photographs and a short description. Title, author, place and date if known, and a few words on condition and history. Photographs of the title page, binding, maps and any damage help greatly. Or simply call us.
We assess and respond. Usually within a few days. We may ask to see the work in person, or arrange to visit you.
An offer, or a consignment. We can buy outright, at a price we explain, or offer the work on your behalf. Payment on purchase is prompt and confidential.