Amsterdam, Hendrik en de Weduwe van Dirk Boom, 1681, 1664 & 1665.
4to. In contemporary full calf with four raised bands and richly gilt spine. Small paper-label pasted on to top of spine. A bit of wear to extremities. Back-boards with a few worm-tracts. Internally with a few worm-tracts in last part, overall a nice and clean copy. (4), 37, (3), 188, (4), 188, (4), 195, (5), 187, (5), 186, (6), 185, (11) pp. + portrait and 21 plates (out of 25).
Rare dutch translation of Dalle Valle’s famous travel-account to Turkey, Egypt, the Holy Land, Syria, Iraq, Persia and India, being one of the earliest printed sources for the early history of the United Arab Emirates. Della Valle's writings and collections have made significant contributions to the understanding of the cultures and societies he encountered during his journeys and his account of his travels is today regarded as being of seminal importance not only for the history of the Middle East but of travel-literature in general. Pietro della Valle embarked on his travels in 1614, departing from Venice, Italy. Over the course of his journey he visited numerous countries and regions, including the Middle East, India, and Persia. Della Valle's initial travels took him to the Middle East, where he visited places such as Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Aleppo, Baghdad, and Jerusalem. He explored various cultural and historical sites documenting his experiences in letters and journals. After returning to Italy, Della Valle set out on a second journey in 1623, this time traveling to India. He visited cities such as Goa, Surat, and Agra, where he met with local rulers and learned about the culture and customs of the region. Della Valle also visited the court of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and witnessed the construction of the Taj Mahal. Following his time in India, Della Valle traveled to Persia (modern-day Iran). He visited cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, and Persepolis, where he studied Persian language and culture. Della Valle's travels in Persia provided him with insights into the Safavid Empire and its society. Della Valle returned to Italy in 1628, bringing back with him a vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and cultural items. He spent the remaining years of his life in Italy, where he continued to write about his travels and share his experiences with scholars and intellectuals. Throughout his travels, Pietro della Valle documented his experiences through letters, journals, and other writings, which have provided valuable insights into the regions he visited during the 17th century. His accounts have since become important historical sources for scholars studying the cultures, societies, and geopolitics of the Middle East, India and Persia during that time period.
“His perceptive and detailed letters, enriched by the romance and poignancy of his devotion to his wife, together create one of the finest works of travel literature” (Howgego).
The present copy being the second Dutch edition of part 1 (1681) and last 5 parts (1664 & 1665) all being first Dutch translations.
Order-nr.: 60827