The history of the world, in five books.

Title

The history of the world, in five books.

Description

“The history of the world, in five books”. By Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight. (Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight) compiled in one volume. With title page, portrait of Raleigh, engraved by Simon de Passe and 6 double-page copper maps, 2 double-page copper plates (pp. 37, 72, 101,147, 237, 549 margin left somewhat damaged, 619, 623 margins left and right damaged) and some woodcuts in the text. The maps show the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Sinai, Palestine and Sicily. While Raleigh was imprisoned in the Tower of London, he wrote this history of the world, using a variety of sources in six languages. The history of the World covers Biblical, Near Eastern, Greek and Roman history. To these is added in this edition the life of the author. London, Basset, Chiswell, Took

c. 1687

Artist

Raleigh (1552-1618)

Sir Walter Raleigh (1552- 1618) London, was an English navigator, explorer, soldier, spy, poet, writer and statesman during the reign of Elizabeth I. His military exploits in Ireland brought him to the attention of Queen Elizabeth I. Raleigh came to the English court in 1581 and won the favor and friendship of the Queen. Just one year later, he was appointed Vice-Admiral and was also a member of the House of Commons of the English Parliament as Knight of the Shire for Devon from 1584 to 1587, becoming one of the most influential figures in England. At the same time, he continued to pursue his plans to establish English overseas colonies in North America. With the support of wealthy investors, he financed several trips to Virginia in order to realize his colonial goals there. One result of the expeditions financed by Raleigh was the founding of Roanoke in North Carolina in 1585. However, this first English colony in the history of North America had to be abandoned just one year later. Another settlement attempt at the same location in 1587 with 150 colonists also failed. In the same year, Raleigh assumed command of the royal bodyguard and was thus responsible for Elizabeth's security. He continued to participate in the colonization of Ireland. After the death of Elizabeth I in 1603, he fell out of favor with the new King James I. Accused of conspiring with Spain, Raleigh was sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment and Raleigh was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Behind the conviction of one of the best-known spokesmen against Spain was James I's desire to make peace with Spain. This was finally sealed in 1604. Raleigh remained in prison for thirteen years. During this time, he wrote his History of the World. 1616 he was released from the Tower. He subsequently undertook another expedition to South America with the aim of finding gold mines in Guiana. On his return, he was again arrested and sentenced to death at the instigation of Spain and was executed in 1618.