Description
The general history of the world, being an abridgment of Sir Walter Raleigh. : With a continuation from the best historians to the present times. In four volumes. by Sir Walter Raleigh
- Hardcover: 19pp + 542pp
- Binding: leather, restored
- Language: English
- Publish Date: 1708
- Publisher: London: Printed for A. Bell, R. Smith, and J. Round
- Shipping Weight: 650 g
- Condition: Good, restored
- Dimensions: 20,5 x 13,5 cm
Frontispiece portrait, titles in red and black. Contemporary Cambridge style calf.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
The History of the World is one of the better known literary achievements of Sir Walter Raleigh. The bibliographic life of the History is as interesting as was the life of its author, filled with successes, pitfalls and controversy. Sir Walter Raleigh was a contemporary of Shakespeare and a favorite among the court of Elizabeth I. Not without enemies, Raleigh was also deeply mistrusted by Elizabeth’s successor James I, who imprisoned him for treason upon ascending the throne. It was during this 13 year confinement in the Tower of London (1603-1616) that Raleigh wrote his History of the World. The work was originally conceived as a five volume set covering ancient history to the present, though Raleigh only completed this first volume. On publication, it was perceived as a thinly veiled critique of kings and did not improve Raleigh’s standing in court. Once published, James had it immediately suppressed and subsequently issued with no title page, and therefore no authorial acknowledgement.
