[1675] Dutch edition, with 33 charts, Koeman records 8 known examples

[1675] French edition (as here), with 34 charts, Curacao addrf, dated by Koeman to 1680 but likely earlier. NYPL (Map Division 17) only

1675[c.77] English edition with 34 charts, with alterations to two plates, dated 1675 on the title but likely later, 3 known examples

Arent Roggeveen is a man to whom students of cartography owe a great debt. The ‘Het Brandende Veen’ provides a unique insight into the archives of one of the most influential companies in the early history of America. Through his work much of the invaluable charting of the Dutch West India Company has been saved, indeed in many cases, this is the only printed example of them. It is the first maritime atlas devoted to the Americas.

Born in Delfshaven, Roggeveen went to Middelburg in 1658, an important centre of shipping and commerce. A notable mathematician, his skills extended to surveying and navigation. He wrote a treatise on the appearance of a comet in 1664-65, and even turned his hand to poetry. He became a tutor of navigation to the pilots of both the Dutch West and East India Companies. In 1675 he even applied to be supplied with a ship for a voyage of exploration to the waters of the Pacific Ocean below 15 degrees south. Although granted, the voyage never came to fruition, and he died in 1679. However, his son Jacob made a notable voyage in 1721-22 using the same plans.

With his connections at the Dutch West India Company, Roggeveen had access to all the manuscript charts at their disposal at their chambers in Middelberg. It must not be presumed that the company’s charts were all their own. Indeed, many were undoubtedly Spanish in origin. In the book, Roggeveen tells us that over twenty years he formed a large collection of manuscript charts. Either way, much of the knowledge they contained would not have survived to today without Roggeveen-s ‘Het Brandende Veen’. The word ‘Veen’, as well as being part of the author’s name, means ‘fen’ in English. The English translation, ‘The Burning Fen’, refers to the practice of burning peat along the coastline to act as beacons for passing ships, indeed the title page illustrates one. Roggeveen’s work was the first of two parts intended as the fourth and fifth of Pieter Goos’ ‘Zeespiegel’. A Privilege was granted to Goos on 19 March 1668, at which time they were apparently ready. The reason for the delay in publication is unknown, the first part relating to America did not appear until 1675. Goos died in March of the same year and the business passed to his widow Geertruyt who herself died in 1677.

Specific areas such as Curacao, Trinidad, and the Bahamas are charted here for the first time. Those of Florida, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the Yucatan are the first Dutch sea charts. Those of Long Island and Cape Cod are the only Dutch sea charts ever printed of them. That of the Gulf of Mexico including the present-day coast of Texas is the earliest ‘Dutch chart that focuses so closely on [it]’ (Taliaferro).

As a practical work, evidenced by the detailed sailing directions, simple harbour sketches, and coastal profiles in the interspersed text, the atlas was intended for practical use and therefore its survival is poor. This was published at a time of increased piratical activity drawn to the wealth of gold and silver being shipped back to Spain. Koeman highlighted the superiority of this over similar available charts at the time which were ‘more intended for the book lover than for seaman’ (Koeman). The title page bears a fine portrait of Roggeveen, indeed his is the only chartmaker to include a portrait of themselves.

Following Geertruyt Goos’ death in 1677 the plates were acquired by Jacob Robijn sometime either late in 1679 or early 1680. At this time, he placed his own imprint on the plates. Provenance: private American collection. Allen (1997) pp. 9-12; Burden (1996-2007) nos. 446-54; Cumming & De Vorsey (1998) no. 74; Kershaw (1993-98) I nos. 184-5; Koeman (1967-70) IV pp. 192-3, 218-19, 409-10, 419, 436-41, 450-55, Rog 9; McCorkle (2001) no. 675.1-3; A. E. Nordenskiöld Collection (1979) no. 247; Stokes (1915-28) vol. II p. 157-8; Taliaferro (1988) no. 55; Tooley (1983) p. 22, p. 22.