History: Europe

London: Printed by W.W. for Humphrey Moseley, 1650. Second Edition. Binding: Hardcover (Full Leather). Book Condition: Very Good+ Condition. Size: 5″-6″ – Vigesimo-quarto (24mo). 140 pages. ESTC Citation R202463; Wing (2nd ed.), H-3081; Thomason, E.1374[2]. 140 p. (Illustrated title, title, portrait of Prince Charles). James Howell (c.1594-1666) was an author of political and historical works who traveled widely in Europe and produced this book, which is often described as the first continental handbook for travelers. The full title is: “Instructions and Directions For Forren Travell. Shewing by what cours, and in what compas of time, one may take an exact Survey of the Kingdomes, and States of Christendome, and arrive to the practicall knowledge of the Languages, to good purpose. With a new Appendix for Travelling into Turkey and the Levant parts.” The appendix (pp. 129-140) draws heavily from Sir Henry Blount’s account of his trip in 1634-36. It describes ways of getting to Constantinople, touches briefly on travel to Egypt and compares and contrasts Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Of the later Howell writes, “Now ’tis thought that this Religion is like to be of long continuance, because there is no nation where the Church man is more powerful and of greater esteem, in regard that all their Judges and Ecclesiastiques, and so have power o’er the body [and] soule” (p. 135). Neatly rebacked in sheepskin with the title “Howell on Forren Travell” in gilt on a red morocco panel, along with the year 1650 at the foot of the spine. There is shelf wear around the edges, with the board peeking out of the bottom corner of the front cover and the top corner rounded off. The text block is tight and only slightly toned. All edges clean, neat and free of foxing.  This copy is missing the four leaves of advertisements at the end that are reported in the copy at Yale’s library. The title page is supplemented by an additional facing title page, engraved and signed by W[enceslaus] Hollar. There is also a portrait of Prince Charles. Someone along the way has underlined some words or short phrases in red ink on 19 or 20 pages. A previous bookseller has written some notes on the front end papers in pencil.  An early book sale entry for the book clipped from a catalog is laid into the book.     less