The Letters of Amerigo Vespucci

Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512) was an Italian explorer and navigator from the Republic of Florence for whom "America" is named.

Vespucci participated in at least two voyages of the Age of Discovery between 1497 and 1504, first on behalf of Spain (1499–1500) and then for Portugal (1501–1502). In 1503 and 1505, two booklets were published under his name containing colourful descriptions of these explorations and other voyages. Both publications were extremely popular and widely read throughout much of Europe. Historians still dispute the authorship and veracity of these accounts, but they were instrumental in raising awareness of the discoveries and enhancing the reputation of Vespucci as an explorer and navigator.

Vespucci claimed to have understood in 1501 that Brazil was part of a fourth continent unknown to Europeans, which he called the "New World". The claim inspired cartographer Martin Waldseemüller to recognize Vespucci's accomplishments in 1507 by applying the Latinized form "America" to a map showing the New World. Other cartographers followed suit, securing the tradition of marking the name "America" on maps of the newly discovered continents.

First edition of this translation, Hakluyt Society First Series, XC; 8vo (22.5 x 15 cm); ex libris Inner Temple Library with bookplates and stamps, withdrawn stamp to title, a little water staining to front endpaper otherwise clean internally; original publisher's gilt blue cloth, boards slightly dampstained and warped, spine darkened, otherwise a very good copy; [16], xliv, 121, 16pp.