Fine Books & Manuscripts

SARMIENTO DE GAMBOA, Pedro (1532–1592). Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes por el Capitan Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa en los anos de 1579. y 1580. Y Noticia de la Expedicion que despues hizo para poblarle. Madrid: la Imprenta Real de Gazeta, 1768. Small 4to (219 x 155 mm). 3 engraved folding plates (minor dampstain to plates, minor worming affecting letters on approximately 140 leaves, some minor spotting). Contemporary vellum, hand-lettered on spine (worming along spine, hinges cleanly broken, slightly soiled, ties lacking); morocco folding case. Provenance: Pale signature on upper cover. FIRST EDITION, edited from the original manuscript journal in the Royal Library Madrid by Bernardo de Yriarte. THE MOST COMPLETE EXPLORATION OF THE STRAITS OF MAGELLAN before the Beagle in the nineteenth century. Sarmiento de Gamboa commanded the Nuestra Senora de Guia and the Almiranta as he sailed with instructions to capture Francis Drake. He pursued Drake to the Straits of Magellan to cut off his escape into the Atlantic but was ultimately unsuccessful. He began to chart the straits and record his observations, developing a plan to prevent further incursions into the Pacific by colonizing the region. His plan was adopted by the King of Spain, and he was made governor of the future colony; the attempt at colonization ended in disaster. Borba de Moraes II:777; Hill 1526; Howgego G21; Palau 302364; Sabin 77094.