This collection of voyages by the Italian author Giovanni Ramusio contains one of the earliest accounts and depictions of Canada: Jacques Cartier’s second voyage up the St Lawrence River. In his account, Cartier describes the river and the Iroquois settlements at Hochelaga and Stadacona (modern day Montreal and Quebec City). Cartier’s description and illustration of the village of Hochelaga, shown here, is unique. On his return during his third voyage in 1541, Cartier discovered that the settlements had been abandoned. George III had a copy of this work in his private library at Windsor; however, the volumes in the Royal Library today were probably acquired during the reign of Queen Victoria.