Gorges, Sir Ferdinando

Estimate

12,000 - 15,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

America Painted to the Life. The true history of The Spaniards Proceedings in the Conquests of the Indians... As also, Of the Original Undertakings of the Advancement of Plantations into those parts; With a perfect Relation of our English Discoveries... More especially, an absolute Narrative of the North parts of America, and of the Discoveries and Plantations of our English in Virginia, New-England, and Berbadoes. London: E. Brudenell (final part printed by T.J.) for Nathaniel Brook, 1658-59
paper, ink, leather

Four parts in one. (170 x125 mm). Engraved frontispiece of an Indian holding a severed leg, the flap of quatrains beneath intact, "Tears of the Indians" fontis to final part found in only some copies present here, folding map; occasional spotting, last part browned. Modern paneled calf to style.

Provenance

Sion College stamps

Literature

Alden & Landis 659/84; Church 559; Sabin 28020; Wing G1300-1303.

Catalogue Note

first edition. The work comprises an account of the English settlement of North America, particularly New England, printed from a manuscript left to his grandson by Sir Ferdinand Gorges (1566-1847), coloniser, one of the founders of New Plymouth and later lord proprietary of Maine. His grandson, Ferdinand Gorges II adds his own account of New England and a preface stating that his grandfather's manuscript was left unfinished firstly because of the disruption of the Civil War, and then his death in 1647. The last part is an account of the "Spanish proceedings in America", also by Ferdinand Gorges II, largely derived from Las Casas. Bound before this is the text of Edward Johnson's History of New England, originally published by Nathaniel Brooke in 1654. "It is the earliest published narrative which treats in a general way of Massachusetts, and is better known from its running title, "Wonder-working Providence/"Sions Saviour, in New England", by which it is generally cited" (Church Cat.). The present copy has what seems to be a general title inserted before this part.