posted on August 25, 2001 03:55:56 PM
I found in auction records that the book was first published in 1596. Yours is probably a reprint edition that isn't very common, hence not available through ABE et al.
posted on August 25, 2001 04:21:25 PM
Yes, I found that reference to the original book from 1596. I have searched every one of the book searches at Bibliomania though and none of them list this particular book.
There is reference to one that is the final journey?
the book is really neat though, it is written like a journal of the voyage and tells some very interesting stories.
I think I will check the library on Monday, maybe I can find some more info there.
Wish me luck and please, if you have any more info, let me know.
posted on August 25, 2001 05:16:53 PM
123pix.com has a book search..this is what i found:RALEIGH, Sir Walter THE DISCOVERY OF GUIANA
London: Argonaut Press, 1928 Hard Cover. Very Good. Travel & Exploration. 4to. Number 40 of 975 copies first printed by Argonaut and has a half vellum over tan cloth binding. Gold medallion on front board and gilt lettering on spine. This work is remarkable for its description of the Incas and their society at that time (1617). Raleigh visited South America in search of the fabled EL DORADO, lost city of gold. There is an engraved portrait of Raleigh and two folding maps each of whichhas small tear, archivally repaired, and not affecting the image area. Bookseller Inventory # 000243
Price: US$ 175.00 convert currency
Presented by Dolphin Books & Prints, Castine, ME, U.S.A.
order options
Raleigh, Sir Walter DISCOVERY OF GUIANA
1st thus, 1966, vg/--,: NFSGW88-57 Facsimile of 1st ed. of THE DISCOVERIE OF GUIANA and 1st ed. in english of THE DISCOVERIES OF THE WORLD. Bound in vellum & in a clamshell box. Bookseller Inventory # AA1637
Price: US$ 225.00 convert currency
Presented by C. Dickens, Inc., Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.
order options
RALEGH, sir WALTER / RALEIGH : THE DISCOVERY OF THE LARGE, RICH AND BEAUTIFUL EMPIRE OF GUIANA, WITH A RELATION OF THE GREAT AND GOLDEN CITY OF MANOA (WHICH THE SPANIARDS CALL EL DORADO) & ETC PERFORMED IN THE YEAR 1595
hakluyt society london 1848 ex libris (minor external gilt markings only),240pp folding map (sl foxing), full calf leather (sl wear to head, sl rubbing) with gilt title labels and embossing, marbled edges and endpapers, unobtrusive name on half title reprinted from the edition of 1596, with some unpublished documents appended. " The most brilliant of all the Elizabethan narratives of adventure (by) the most unpopular man in england (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Ralegh had long been intrigued by reports of El Dorado, a gold-infested region (or person) somewhere in the upper reaches of the Orinoco River. His narrative is one of intense hardship, dangerous encounters with Spanish garrisons and native tribes, heavenly fruits, strange wildlife and ultimate disappointment. Although Ralegh was not timid in elaboration, which gives the narrative an almost mythic quality, the work was initially received with perhaps more incredulity than it deserved.(B Brewster) . Bookseller Inventory # z175
Price: NZ$ 900.00 (approx. US$ 396.08) convert currency
Presented by Hard to Find Books Ltd., Whangarei, New Zealand
order options
posted on August 26, 2001 12:08:51 AM
I love a puzzle. I looked up this title in the library of congress and the only copy they had was one published by Mershon. The date was given as "1893?". I also looked around for "Mershon Company" on Google. It looks as though they were a reprint publisher - meaning they weren't paying royalties to anyone. One good thing about ABE is that you can checkout publishers. There are 937 Mershon books on ABE - with only 30 priced above $50. This would tend to make me think it might be a cheapie looking book and not worth too much, since there are attractive copies on ABE for less than $50.
posted on August 26, 2001 03:28:19 AM
you people are just too much! thank you
amy, that date range for the publisher is something I can use in the listing, since there is no publish date in the book
this is just of his second voyage, which was in 1616-1618, when he returned from the failed voyage he was hanged in October 1618
grovbook, thank you so much for the publish date.
this picture is of the front cover, it is a cloth cover with a shiny? like coating that has been worn with handling. the book is not torn, cover and spine tight, the pages are a little yellowed from age but no tears or foxing.
