Research on the Subject of the Land of "Ophir" - Germany, 17th Century

Navigatio Salomonis Ophiritica illustrate by Martino Lipenio (Martin Lipen). [Printed by Andrea Hartmann, Wittenberg, 1660]. Latin, some Hebrew, German and Greek.
A research book about the Land of Ophir mentioned in the bible, by the German researcher and bibliographer Martin Lipen (1630-1692). Lipen's research is based on a variety of sources, including the bible, studies of Arab researchers from the Middle Ages and studies of travelers of his generation. The book deals, among others, with various assumptions about the location of Ophir (among them one assumption that Ophir is located in South America), and the local flora and fauna. The book opens with an illustrated title page (engraving).
The Land of Ophir is mentioned several times in the bible as the land from which gold and other treasures were imported to Palestine. The treasures found in Ophir aroused much interest among European travelers and researchers who attempted to identify its location. The hypothesis common today identifies Ophir in the Arab Peninsula or in the Horn of Africa.
[47] leaves, 826, [2] pp (slightly mispaginated), approx. 12 cm. Good condition. Stains. Two leaves are not cut at margins. Margins of illustrated title page are trimmed, affecting the engraving and the printer's details and year of printing. Vellum binding, with gilt embossing on front. Bookplate on inside of front binding.