A description of New England: or The observations, and discoueries, of Captain Iohn Smith (Admirall of that country) in the North of America, in the year of our Lord 1614 : with the successe of sixe ships, that went the next yeare 1615; and the accidents befell him among the French men of warre: With the proofe of the present benefit this countrey affoords: whither this present yeare, 1616, eight voluntary ships are gone to make further tryall
A 1616 English promotional account of New England by Captain John Smith, printed in London by Humfrey Lownes for Robert Clerke to attract settlers and investors. The picture is a small decorative woodcut initial letter, with a putto at left and a winged grotesque creature with a long-necked serpent at right, framing the opening letter N. A designer might take from it the dense, crowded interlace of early modern woodcut ornament, useful for historical borders, capitals, and drop-cap treatments.
