Algeria as the lair of the Barbary pirates

DU VAL, Pierre.

Carte du Roiaume d'Alger. [with] Description du Royaume d'Algier Par P. Du Val, Geographe du Roy.
Paris, 1665. Original outline colour. 365 x 520mm, with a rare letterpress description.

A map of Algeria engraved by François Lépine (Lapointe) published as France was taking action against the Barbary Pirates based in Algiers, aided by England. After the pirates had attacked the coast of Provence Louis XIV ordered the Duke of Beaufort to capture the port of Djidjelli and create a European fortress to threaten Algiers. The duke took Djidjelli in July 1664 but had to withdraw in October because an outbreak of plague in Toulon left him without new supplies and reinforcements. Naval action continued: in August 1665 Beaufort captured a corsair ship that had been fitted with the guns he had left behind at Djidjelli. The text sheet, although primarily geographical in purpose, includes a paragraph on the expedition to 'Gigeri'.


Stock ID : 19790