Hakluyt, Richard

folio ([vol.1-2] 288 x 185mm.; [vol.3] 272 x175mm.), second edition, first issue, 3 volumes bound in 2, Black Letter, seventeenth-century contemporary calf with later red morocco labels on spines, without map (as almost always), vol.1 without pp.607-619 as often (Essex's voyage to Cadiz, see footnote), vol.3 with title page cut down and mounted, and with occasional soiling and a few sidenotes shaved, bindings slightly rubbed, slight loss to head of spine of first volume

Richard Hall, contemporary signature on title to vol.1; Joseph Hall, later signature on same leaf; Edward William Vernon Harcourt (1825-91), armorial bookplate

Church 322; PMM 105; Sabin 29595-97; STC 12626

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

"The most complete collection of voyages and discoveries, by land as well as by sea, and of the nautical achievements of the Elizabethans" (PMM).

This second edition is much expanded compared with the first. Hakluyt himself never travelled further afield than France, but he met or corresponded with many of the great explorers, navigators and cartographers including Drake, Raleigh, Gilbert, Frobisher, Ortelius and Mercator.

In addition to long and significant descriptions of the Americas in volume 3, the work also contains accounts of Russia, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Turkey, Middle East, Persia, India, south-east Asia, and Africa.

This copy is the first issue of the second edition with volume 1 dated 1598 and the title mentioning "the famous victorie atchieved at the citie of Cadiz". The account of the Earl of Essex's voyage to Cadiz (pp.607-619), which was ordered to be suppressed in 1599, and therefore is sometimes missing, is not present in this copy.

Copies in near contemporary bindings, such as this one, are uncommon.