This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2023
LEÓN, Pedro Cieza de (ca. 1520-1554). The Seventeen Years Travels of Peter de Cieza, Through the Mighty Kingdom of Peru… Translated into English by John Stevens. London, 1709.
8vo in fours (203 x 158 mm). 4 engravings in the text, folding map of Peru, folding bird’s-eye view of Cuzco. (Title-page browned at margins, some spotting to text). Full contemporary paneled calf, central panel blindstamped with armorial device, spine in 6 compartments with raised bands, orange morocco lettering-piece gilt in second compartments (old repairs at ends and to front lower fore-corner, hinges reinforced); slipcase.
FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH OF THIS IMPORTANT ACCOUNT OF THE SPANISH CONQUEST IN AMERICA. This account, first published in Spanish in 1553, is often considered to be the only authoritative account of the Inca civilization. Léon describes in detail the cultivation and use of coca including the chewing of coca leaves with a chalk-like powder to assuage hunger and increase strength and stamina. Cox II:265; Hill 297 (first edition).