- 536
Gage, Thomas
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Gage, Thomas
- The English-American his Travail by Sea and Land: or, a New Survey of the West-India's, containing A Journall of Three thousand and Three hundred Miles within the main Land of America. London: R. Cotes, 1648
- paper
FIRST EDITION, folio (283 x 185mm.), [x], 220, [xii] pp., contemporary sheep, dark red label, binding somewhat rubbed and marked and with a few repairs
Gage was an English Dominican missionary who landed in Mexico in 1625 en route to the Philippines. He decided however to remain in Central America, where he lived for twelve years, one of a small number of non-Spanish foreigners. "The English-American his Travail by Sea and Land... was the first book by an English writer - in fact, the first book not by a Habsburg subject - portraying daily life in Spanish America... Gage took from others his account of the conquest of Mexico; wholly his own were the strong narrative line and his gift for observation. He wrote of the volcanoes overlooking Antigua (Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango) and the bustle of Portobello when the treasure fleet was in, with silver ingots piled in the street like paving-stones. He zestfully recalled the cuisine of the New World - the tortillas, beans, and tamales of the poor, the strange new fruits of the Indian market, and delicacies like the iguana. To chocolate, with an addict's obsessiveness, he devoted an entire chapter. He denounced the blending of Mayan ceremony and Catholic rites, but seldom condescended to his Indian parishioners, whom he found civil, gentle, industrious, and long-suffering" (ODNB).
Gage was an English Dominican missionary who landed in Mexico in 1625 en route to the Philippines. He decided however to remain in Central America, where he lived for twelve years, one of a small number of non-Spanish foreigners. "The English-American his Travail by Sea and Land... was the first book by an English writer - in fact, the first book not by a Habsburg subject - portraying daily life in Spanish America... Gage took from others his account of the conquest of Mexico; wholly his own were the strong narrative line and his gift for observation. He wrote of the volcanoes overlooking Antigua (Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango) and the bustle of Portobello when the treasure fleet was in, with silver ingots piled in the street like paving-stones. He zestfully recalled the cuisine of the New World - the tortillas, beans, and tamales of the poor, the strange new fruits of the Indian market, and delicacies like the iguana. To chocolate, with an addict's obsessiveness, he devoted an entire chapter. He denounced the blending of Mayan ceremony and Catholic rites, but seldom condescended to his Indian parishioners, whom he found civil, gentle, industrious, and long-suffering" (ODNB).
Provenance
Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland (1602-1666), politician and writer, his motto "Solus Deus protector Meus. W." on endleaf and title; the Earl of Westmoreland 1856, manuscript label; Charles Lilburn, bookplate; Pierre S. Dupont, "Collection of Navigation, Voyages, Cartography and Literature of the Sea", sale Christie's New York, 8 October 1991, lot 111
Literature
Sabin 26298
Condition
A good copy
"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."
"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."