THE first known depiction of the Dodo is up for auction tomorrow (Wednesday September 2) at Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh.
The engraving features in the Second Dutch Expedition of 1598 to Indonesia, written and illustrated by the commander of the voyage, Admiral Jacob Cornelisz van Neck.
Van Neck was sent to Indonesia with eight fleets by Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange, in May 1598.
The book features many details of the landscape and wildlife the voyagers found there, including "tortoises of incredible size" and the now extinct Dodo, which they referred to as a Walckvogel or 'disgusting bird'.
One of the most important travel works of the 16th century, the book is included in the Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs auction and is valued at £8,000-£12,000.
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