- 545
Gilbert, Sir Humphrey
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- Gilbert, Sir Humphrey
- A Discourse of a Discoverie for a new Passage to Cataia. London: Henry Middleton for Richarde Ihones, 1576
- paper
FIRST EDITION, small 4to (183 x 130mm.), [paraph 1-3] 4, [paraph 4] 2, A-H4, I2, [88pp.], folding map in facsimile on sixteenth-century paper, red morocco by Riviere, marbled endpapers, gilt edges, title and following three leaves remargined to the printed area, lower outer corner of all leaves very skilfully restored throughout affecting blank portions only, title and last leaf slightly soiled
Extremely rare essay arguing for the existence of a north-west passage.
The Boies Penrose copy.
Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1537/39-1583), was a pioneer colonist of Newfoundland and a half-brother of Sir Walter Ralegh. In this important essay, Gilbert argued for the existence of a north-west passage, explaining that "ocean currents, starting from the Cape of Good Hope, moved across the Atlantic to the Strait of Magellan, from whence the surplus flowed north and through the northwest passage to China, the Moluccas and back to the Cape" (Howgego, Encyclopedia of Exploration to 1800).
Extremely rare essay arguing for the existence of a north-west passage.
The Boies Penrose copy.
Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1537/39-1583), was a pioneer colonist of Newfoundland and a half-brother of Sir Walter Ralegh. In this important essay, Gilbert argued for the existence of a north-west passage, explaining that "ocean currents, starting from the Cape of Good Hope, moved across the Atlantic to the Strait of Magellan, from whence the surplus flowed north and through the northwest passage to China, the Moluccas and back to the Cape" (Howgego, Encyclopedia of Exploration to 1800).
Provenance
Boies Penrose, bookplate (sale in these rooms 7 June 1971, lot 95, where it is described as the Hoe-Breaker copy)
Literature
STC 11881; Sabin 27351; Church 117
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."