John Ogilby’s America (1671): An Overview
John Ogilby’s “America: Being the Latest‚ and Most Accurate Description of the New World‚” published in London in 1671‚ stands as a significant English-language work. Ogilby‚ His Majesty’s Cosmographer‚ compiled this volume using authentic sources. It was augmented with new observations‚ maps‚ and sculptures‚ offering a comprehensive‚ if not entirely original‚ view of the Americas.
John Ogilby: Cosmographer and Printer
John Ogilby (1600-1676) was a multifaceted figure in 17th-century England‚ renowned not only as a cosmographer and printer but also as a translator‚ cartographer‚ and impresario. His career reflects the dynamic intellectual and cultural landscape of Restoration London. He secured the esteemed position of His Majesty’s Cosmographer‚ a testament to his geographical knowledge and cartographic skills. This role involved creating and publishing maps‚ contributing to the expanding understanding of the world.
Ogilby’s printing endeavors were ambitious‚ encompassing large-scale projects such as his English atlas series. These atlases‚ including “America‚” were significant undertakings. They synthesized existing knowledge‚ incorporating textual descriptions‚ maps‚ and illustrations. His work on “America” involved the translation and adaptation of Arnoldus Montanus’s “De Nieuwe en onbekende Weereld‚” demonstrating his editorial and linguistic capabilities.
Beyond his geographical pursuits‚ Ogilby also held the title of Master of the Revels in the Kingdom of Ireland. This position highlights his involvement in the theatrical arts. It showcases his diverse talents and contributions to the cultural sphere. His career was marked by both artistic and scientific interests. He aimed to disseminate knowledge through meticulously produced and visually engaging publications.
America: Being the Latest‚ and Most Accurate Description of the New World
John Ogilby’s “America: Being the Latest‚ and Most Accurate Description of the New World‚” published in 1671‚ represents a significant undertaking to compile and disseminate knowledge about the Americas to an English-speaking audience. The title itself proclaims the book’s ambition: to provide the most up-to-date and reliable information available at the time. This claim‚ while perhaps overstated‚ reflects the growing European interest in the New World and its potential for exploration‚ colonization‚ and resource extraction.
The book encompasses a vast geographical area‚ covering both North and South America. It presents descriptions of various regions‚ including their landscapes‚ inhabitants‚ flora‚ and fauna. Ogilby draws upon a range of sources‚ aiming to synthesize existing accounts into a coherent and comprehensive narrative. While the accuracy of these accounts varies‚ the book offers valuable insights into the European perception of the Americas during the 17th century.
Moreover‚ “America” features numerous maps and illustrations. These visuals enhance the text‚ providing a visual representation of the New World. They depict indigenous peoples‚ settlements‚ and natural features‚ contributing to the book’s overall appeal and informative value. The book served as a crucial resource for those seeking knowledge about the Americas.
Publication Details: London‚ 1671
John Ogilby’s “America: Being the Latest‚ and Most Accurate Description of the New World” was published in London in 1671‚ marking a significant moment in the dissemination of knowledge about the Americas. Printed for the author himself‚ this folio-sized volume reflects the ambition and scope of Ogilby’s project. The publication details reveal important aspects of its creation and intended audience.
The fact that Ogilby self-published suggests a degree of control over the content and production of the book. As His Majesty’s Cosmographer‚ Geographick Printer‚ and Master of the Revels in the Kingdom of Ireland‚ Ogilby possessed the resources and expertise to undertake such a venture. This self-publication also indicates a potential desire to profit directly from the work’s success.
The book’s physical format‚ a large folio‚ speaks to its intended status as a scholarly and authoritative work. The inclusion of maps and illustrations further enhances its appeal and value. The London imprint signifies its intended market: the English-speaking world. “America” aimed to inform and captivate readers with tales and images of the New World‚ contributing to the growing European fascination with the Americas. The 1671 publication date places the book within a specific historical context.
Content and Scope of Ogilby’s America
Ogilby’s “America” presents a comprehensive overview of the New World as it was understood in the 17th century. The book encompasses a wide range of topics‚ including the geography‚ history‚ and natural history of both North and South America. It delves into the cultures and customs of the indigenous peoples‚ offering descriptions of their societies‚ rituals‚ and ways of life. The work also covers the European exploration and colonization of the Americas‚ recounting the voyages of discovery and the establishment of settlements.
The scope of “America” is ambitious‚ aiming to provide readers with a complete picture of the New World. Ogilby drew upon various sources to compile his account‚ including earlier travel narratives‚ historical accounts‚ and geographical descriptions. The book is divided into sections that address different regions and aspects of the Americas. It includes descriptions of specific locations‚ such as Mexico and Peru‚ as well as broader discussions of topics such as trade‚ religion‚ and governance. The inclusion of maps and illustrations further enhances the book’s informative value;
By covering such a wide array of subjects‚ Ogilby’s “America” sought to satisfy the growing European curiosity about the New World.
Sources and Authorship: Montanus and Ogilby
The authorship of John Ogilby’s “America” is a complex issue‚ primarily because it is largely a translation and adaptation of Arnoldus Montanus’s “De Nieuwe en onbekende Weereld‚” published in Amsterdam in 1671. Montanus’s work‚ granted copyright privileges in July 1670‚ served as the primary source for Ogilby’s English version. Ogilby‚ while credited as the author‚ essentially translated‚ edited‚ and augmented Montanus’s original text.
Therefore‚ assessing the true authorship requires acknowledging Montanus’s foundational role. Ogilby’s contribution lies in making this vast body of information accessible to an English-speaking audience. He translated the Dutch text‚ adapted it for English readers‚ and added his own editorial touches. Some scholars argue that Ogilby’s additions and modifications warrant considering him more than just a translator.
However‚ the extent of Ogilby’s original contributions remains a subject of debate. While he claimed to have augmented the text with later observations‚ the core content and structure are undeniably derived from Montanus. Attributing authorship solely to Ogilby overlooks the significant intellectual debt owed to Montanus‚ whose research and compilation efforts formed the basis of “America.” The title page credits Ogilby with collecting information from authentic authors‚ suggesting some degree of independent research.
Illustrations and Maps in Ogilby’s America
One of the defining features of John Ogilby’s “America” is its wealth of illustrations and maps‚ contributing significantly to its appeal and influence. The book is adorned with numerous copperplate engravings depicting various aspects of the New World‚ including landscapes‚ indigenous peoples‚ flora‚ fauna‚ and scenes of colonial life. These visual elements served not only to embellish the text but also to provide readers with a tangible sense of the Americas.
The maps included in “America” were particularly important‚ offering geographical representations of different regions and territories. While many of these maps were based on existing cartographic knowledge‚ their inclusion in Ogilby’s book made them more widely accessible to an English-speaking audience. The maps often featured decorative elements‚ such as compass roses‚ cartouches‚ and depictions of ships and sea creatures‚ adding to their aesthetic value.
The illustrations and maps in “America” played a crucial role in shaping European perceptions of the New World. They provided visual confirmation of the accounts presented in the text‚ making the Americas seem more real and tangible to readers who had never traveled there. The images also contributed to the construction of stereotypes and narratives about the indigenous peoples and the natural environment of the Americas‚ influencing European attitudes and policies towards the region.
Significance and Impact of Ogilby’s America
John Ogilby’s “America‚” published in 1671‚ holds significant importance as one of the most comprehensive and influential English-language books about the Americas during the latter half of the 17th century. Its impact stemmed from its accessibility‚ scope‚ and the wealth of information it presented to a European audience eager to learn about the New World.
The book played a crucial role in shaping European perceptions of the Americas‚ consolidating existing knowledge and disseminating new information about the geography‚ inhabitants‚ and natural resources of the continent. Ogilby’s work served as a primary source for scholars‚ policymakers‚ and the general public seeking to understand the Americas. It was widely read and consulted‚ contributing to the growing interest in colonization‚ trade‚ and exploration.
Moreover‚ “America” helped to solidify England’s position as a major player in the transatlantic world. By providing a detailed account of the Americas‚ Ogilby’s book bolstered English claims to territory and promoted the idea of English dominance in the region. The book also contributed to the development of English national identity by showcasing the achievements of English explorers‚ traders‚ and colonists in the New World. In essence‚ Ogilby’s work served as both an informative text and a piece of propaganda‚ promoting English interests and ambitions in the Americas.
Availability and Access to the 1671 Edition
The 1671 first edition of John Ogilby’s “America: Being the Latest‚ and Most Accurate Description of the New World” is a rare and valuable artifact‚ making physical access to it limited. As a historical document of significant importance‚ copies are primarily held within the collections of major libraries‚ rare book repositories‚ and private collectors around the world.
Due to its age and rarity‚ the 1671 edition is not typically available for general circulation. Researchers and enthusiasts seeking to examine the original text often need to consult with librarians or curators at institutions that possess a copy. Access may be granted for scholarly purposes‚ subject to the institution’s rules and regulations regarding the handling of delicate historical materials.
The scarcity and value of the physical book also mean that it is highly unlikely to be found for sale through regular channels. When copies do appear on the market‚ they are typically offered by specialist rare book dealers and command significant prices‚ reflecting their historical significance and condition. Therefore‚ owning a physical copy is generally beyond the reach of the average individual‚ making institutional access or digital surrogates the most practical means of engaging with Ogilby’s “America.”
Ogilby’s America in Digital Collections
Recognizing the historical importance and rarity of John Ogilby’s “America: Being the Latest‚ and Most Accurate Description of the New World‚” several institutions have undertaken efforts to make the content more accessible through digitization projects. These digital collections provide a valuable resource for researchers‚ students‚ and anyone interested in exploring this seminal work without needing direct access to a physical copy.
Major libraries and archives‚ such as The New York Public Library‚ have digitized their copies of the 1671 edition and made them available online through their digital collections platforms. These digital versions typically include high-resolution scans of the original pages‚ allowing users to view the text‚ maps‚ and illustrations in detail. Some platforms also offer features like searchable text‚ enabling users to quickly locate specific terms or passages within the book.
By providing online access to Ogilby’s “America‚” these digital collections significantly broaden the audience that can engage with this historical source. They eliminate the geographical barriers and logistical challenges associated with accessing rare books in person‚ making the content available to anyone with an internet connection. These initiatives ensure that Ogilby’s work continues to inform and inspire future generations of scholars and enthusiasts.