Harcourt, Robert.

first edition, 4to (175 x 128mm.), woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials and headpieces, modern blind-stamped calf, lettering-piece, title-page torn with slight loss (repaired) not affecting text, final two leaves repaired at base with some words in pen facsimile, other small marginal tears (repaired), cropped affecting headlines

Henry Godby, inscription on verso of title-page; M.A. Pulidos, bookplate on rear pastedown

Church 361; Sabin 30296; STC 12754

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Robert Harcourt (1574-1631), owner of the estate of Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire, sailed for Guiana on 13 February 1609. This work is primarily a promotional piece for the author's plantation, a tract of land lying between the Amazon and Dollesquebe rivers, but was also influential in encouraging the idea of colonisation in America. Harcourt points out the rich commercial potential to be found in sugar, cotton, indigo and  tobacco.

Harcourt arrived in the Wiapoco on 17 May 1609 with "one and thirtie land men, two Indians, and three and twentie mariners and Saylers", but was actually only in Guiana very briefly, leaving the colonisation of the land to his brother and many of his ship's company. A hundred settlers were later transported thither, but Harcourt was ultimately financially ruined by the venture. He died on the Wiapoco two years after arriving on a second unsuccessful attempt to colonise the area.