FILSON (John).History of Kentucke, a new colony west of Virginia.Paris: Buisson, 1785. - In-8, 195 x 121 : (2 ff.), xvj, 234 pp. 1 map. Half brown basane, smooth spine decorated with a repeated gilt iron representing a bonnet on a pike, decorated with a flower, yellow edges (period binding).First edition of the French translation by M. Parraud of the first book written on Kentucky, composed by John Filson (circa 1747-1788), surveyor and first historian of this region. The American original appeared in Wilmington in 1784. Presented as a sequel to J. Hector St John's Letters from an American Farmer (1782), the work comprises: "1. the Discovery, Acquisition, Establishment, Topographical Description, Natural History, &c. of the Territory. - 2. the historical account by Colonel Boon, one of the first colonists, of the wars waged against the Natives. - 3 The Assembly of the Piankashaws at St. Vincent's Station. - 4. a succinct account of the Indian Nations which inhabit the limits of the Thirteen United States, their Manners & Customs, & Reflections on their Origin; & other Pieces" (title). A complete copy of the French version of Filson's very first map of Kentucky. A very fine copy, very well preserved. Castle library label on upper spine.