Thomas Herbert | A Relation of some Yeares Travaile. London, 1634, small folio, later sheep-backed marbled boards

Thomas Herbert

A Relation of Some Yeares Travaile, begunne Anno 1626. Into Afrique and the greater Asia, especially the Territories of the Persian Monarchie: and some parts of the Oriental Indies, and Iles adiacent. Of their Religion, Language, Habit, Discent, Ceremonies, and other matters concerning them. Together with the proceedings and death of the three late Ambassadours: Sir D.C. Sir R.S. and the Persian Nogdibeg: And also the two great Monarchs, the King of Persia, and the Great Mogol. London: William Stansby, and Jacob Bloome, 1634

FIRST EDITION, small folio (273 x 170mm.), additional engraved title by William Marshall, many engraved illustrations in the text, some full-page, eighteenth-century sheep-backed marbled boards, spine in compartments with raised bands, lettering piece, lacking C1 and C4 (pp. 9-10 and 15-16), D2 with tear into text and image with loss of corner and a few words, clean tear in inner margin of R4 (not affecting text or image), without final blank (Hh4), early manuscript notes and pen trials on engraved title, occasionally in the text and on verso of final text leaf, some foxing and staining, joints split, spine ends with small loss, extremities rubbed

A REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY TRAVEL WRITING. An extensive and detailed description, complete with engravings, about Thomas Herbert's travels, ranging through Asia and Africa, with emphasis on the history and customs of the Persian monarchy, with an index. Herbert served as ambassador to Persia in 1627, making his travels during and after this tenure, before ending up as gentleman of the bedchamber to Charles I in 1647, despite supporting parliament during the civil war. The illustrations in his work include sketches of the dodo, records of cuneiform inscriptions, and drawings of Persepolis. 

LITERATURE:

ESTC S119687; STC 13190; Alden 634/68; Cox I, 248; Ghani 176 ("One of the best early Western books on Persia."); Sabin 31471; Wilson 94; Taylor 1552

PROVENANCE:

Cornwell House, ownership stamp