A Pisgah-sight of Palestine and the Confines thereof with the Historie of the old and new Testament acted thereon.
London: printed by J.F. for John Williams. 1650. Edition: First Edition., Binding: Contemporary calf boards, expertly rebacked. Spine with 5 raised bands, gilt rules, title lettered in gilt on maroon morocco label in 2nd compartment. All edges red. , Notes: An important descriptive geography of the Holy Land from the mid 17th century. The work contains many maps of cities in the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, and contains illustrations of the types of clothes that various strata of people would wear. The term “Pisgah-Sight” refers to the story of when Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time: Mount Pisgah. The text describes cultural practices, and also delves into the author’s own story of being sent into exile for his religious views under Oliver Cromwell; due to his exile, Fuller was forced to travel, and as a result of his travels, he produced this volume. “This curious and singular work is not a mere geographical work, but contains many things relating to Jewish antiquities, and to the manners and customs of the people” (Lowndes, 848). “Pisgah-Sight is one of the great books on the topography of the Holy Land” (Maps of the Holy Land, 130).
Thomas Fuller (1608-1661) was an English churchman and historian. He is now remembered for his prolific authorship and for being one of the first English writers able to “live by his pen” (with the help of his many patrons).
, Size: Folio (337 x 217 mm), Illustration: A handsome example of this important work on the Holy Land and Middle East. Engraved title page in addition to 30 plates: 23 maps simulating the maps of Christian van Adrichom and 7 plates. In this example, the large map of Jerusalem is replaced with two other folding maps by Pieter Mortier: “Voyage de Enfans d’Israel dans le desert depius leur sortie d’Egypte” (c. 1725) depicting the flight of the “Children of Israel” from Egypt, with the illustrated cartouche; and the handcoloured “Situs Terrae Canaan, Sive Terrae Promissionis, Hodie Palaestinae” (c. 1700), based on Christian van Adirchom’s “Situs Terrae Promissionis.” A tall copy in contemporary binding. Text and plates generally clean and crisp. Title with inked ownership (“Richardson”) dated 1761. Bookplate (“RAM / Adaliter” [?]) on front pasted endpaper., Category: Book Asia Middle East Holy Land;. Item #B6940
Price: $5,500.00