Andrade, Rui Freire de--[Craesbeeck, Paulo, editor]

FIRST EDITION, small 4to (189 x 134mm.), woodcut device on title, woodcut initials, eighteenth-century red morocco, triple gilt fillet border to sides, flat spine gilt, green morocco label, gilt edges, some minor stains and light browning, foot of title repaired, repaired tears to text leaves (F1 and R2), head of spine slightly chipped

Prof. Fernando de Freitas Simões (1890-1972), distinguished Portuguese physician and book collector, bookplate, and library stamp on preliminary blank; acquired in the 1970s by the father of the present owner

Wilson p.7; not in Ghani; cf. Boxer, C.R. (Trans. & Ed.) Commentaries of Ruy Freyre de Andrada (London, 1930; reprinted 2005); Hugh Arbuthnott [et al]. British Missions around the Gulf 1575-2005 (London, 2008), pp.55-56; D. Couto and R.M. Loureiro (Editors). Revisiting Hormuz. Portuguese Interactions in the Persian Gulf region in the Early Modern Period (Wiesbaden, 2008)

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."

A FINE COPY OF THIS VERY RARE PORTUGUESE ACCOUNT OF THE STRUGGLE FOR CONTROL OF THE PERSIAN GULF IN THE EARLY SEVENTEENTH CENTURY, describing the operations leading up to the Portuguese loss of Hormuz, and the end of their domination in the Gulf.

From the beginning of the sixteenth century the Portuguese had controlled the trade with India via the Gulf with a strongly fortified base on the island of Hormuz. In 1619 Philip III, King of Spain and Portugal, concerned by English activity and to put pressure on the Persians, sent a large fleet to the Gulf under the command of Rui Freire de Andrade. The aim was to maintain control of the Straits, eliminate the Niquelus (a tribal group from Oman) and expel the English from Jask, where they had established a trading station in 1617. The English won a sea victory at the battle of Jask in 1620, and with Shah Abbas's support expelled the Portuguese from Hormuz in 1622.

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