Hamond Walter (3 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Good. 1st Edition. FIRST EDITON. 4to. Two parts in one. pp. [xxxviii]. A (-A1) B D-F . Roman letter. small woodcut ornament on second title, floriated woodcut initials, typographical headpieces and ornaments, woodcut tail-piece. Light age yellowing, cut close in upper margin, trimming the odd headline, other margins good, paper flaw in lower blank margin of Leaf B. A good, unsophisticated copy, stab bound, in limp vellum, recased. First edition of Hamond's fascinating account of the island of Madagascar; sent by the East India Company to assess the feasibility of colonising the island, Hamond produced these two reports. The first comprises a description of the island, its climate and indigenous people while the second relays the benefits it would have to offer as an outpost for servicing the company's ships en route for the Persian Gulf and the Far East. "Hamond, author and explorer, published a translation of Ambroise Paré's 'Methode de traicter les Playes faictes par Harquebuses et aultres batons a feu,' 1617, 4to. He was in the service of the East India Company, and was employed by them to explore Madagascar and report on the advisability of annexing the island, of which he gave a glowing description." DNB Hamond spent four months on the island, as a surgeon. However his treatise portrays an exaggerated prospect of it, stating that "for wealth and riches, no Island in the world can be preferred before it. As for gold, silver, pearle and precious jems, questionlesse the Island is plentifully stored with them great quantities of Aloes the first fruits of a most plentifull harvest, which is better than the gleanings of America". "Early descriptions of Madagascar and it's vegetation illustrate the kind of attractions that tempted colonisers and traders to undertake arduous voyages to the island in pursuit of advancement. Walter Hammond, . spent some time on Madagascar in 1630, (and) published a pamphlet in 1640 entitled 'A paradox.' He drew attention to its strategic use as a useful port of call to and from the East Indies, and to the fertility of its soil. By this time, Hammond had resigned his post in the company and was clearly writing tracks to encourage rivals to challenge his monopoly. His next attempt, 'Madagascar the richest and most fruitful island in the world' (1643), also makes a strong case for colonisation." Margarette Lincoln. British Pirates and Society, 1680-1730 "In his desire to present Madagascar and its allegedly primitive peoples as a semblance of the Garden of Eden, Hamond's writing can be seen as a precursor of the eighteenth-century salute to the noble savage" (ODNB). A very good copy of this fascinating pamphlet one of the earliest descriptions of Madagascar. STC 12735. ESTC S103773.

The only edition of this rare utopian work describing the island of Madagascar and its inhabitants. The author, Walter Hamond (d. 1648), had by his own account traveled several times to Madagascar in the service of the East India Company, once "resident there Foure Moneths together." During the 1630s, as King Charles I was advised that Madagascar would be an ideal location for English traders bound for India and the Far East to refresh and repair their ships, Hamond composed A Paradox, encouraging further use of the island for colonization and trade. Describing the land of Madagascar in Edenic terms, Hamond begins his characterization of its inhabitants by referring to them as "a sluggish and slothfull people." "If any where," he writes, "the Proverbe, Terra bona, gens male, may here be applied" (A4v). He swiftly recasts them, however, as an innocent and virtuous race, whose "Nakednesse, Poverty, and Simplicity" demonstrate a happy, prelapsarian state instead of one of wretchedness or misery: "Now for Pride [of clothing and appearance], such is the Happinesse of these people, that they know not what it meanes, here is no man that respectech another the better for his Out-side, but for his inward vertue, and naturall Endowmens.They know that the inordinate desire of riches in the Root of all mischiefe, a Raging famisht Beast, that will not bee satisfied.As for Gold, the Soule of the World.[t]hese people know it not, or doe they know it, they regard it not, at least I am sure they value it not" (D4v-E1). Hamond continues with the observation that the Golden Age "so much celebrated by ancient Writers, was not so called, from the Estimation, or predomination that Gold had in the Hearts of men.[b]ut from the Contemps thereof"; this "happy Age these people doe at this present enjoy" (E1v). A fascinating precursor to the 18th-century imaginings of the Noble Savage, and a rare title on the market. STC 12735. DNB VIII, p.1137. Small quarto. Antique-style three-quarter calf and marbled boards, gilt morocco label. 19th-century armorial library bookplate on front pastedown. Closely trimmed, just touching the first "A" at the top of the titlepage and cropping the upper portion of a few running titles and catchwords. Titlepage soiled, with small ink spots affecting a few characters of text. Very good.

Leather Bound. Condition: New. Language: English. {Size: 19.68 x 24.13 cms} Presenting an Exquisite Leather-Bound Edition, expertly crafted with Original Natural Leather that gracefully adorns the spine and corners. The allure continues with Golden Leaf Printing that adds a touch of elegance, while Hand Embossing on the rounded spine lends an artistic flair. This masterpiece has been meticulously reprinted in 2026, utilizing the invaluable guidance of the original edition published many years ago in 1640. The contents of this book are presented in classic black and white. Its durability is ensured through a meticulous sewing binding technique, enhancing its longevity. Imprinted on top-tier quality paper. A team of professionals has expertly processed each page, delicately preserving its content without alteration. Due to the vintage nature of these books, every page has been manually restored for legibility. However, in certain instances, occasional blurriness, missing segments, or faint black spots might persist. We sincerely hope for your understanding of the challenges we faced with these books. Recognizing their significance for readers seeking insight into our historical treasure, we've diligently restored and reissued them. Our intention is to offer this valuable resource once again. We eagerly await your feedback, hoping that you'll find it appealing and will generously share your thoughts and recommendations. Lang: - English, Pages:- 42, Print on Demand. If it is a multi-volume set, then it is only a single volume. We are specialised in Customisation of books, if you wish to opt different color leather binding, you may contact us. This service is chargeable. Product Disclaimer: Kindly be informed that, owing to the inherent nature of leather as a natural material, minor discolorations or textural variations may be perceptible. Explore the FOLIO EDITION (12x19 Inches): Available Upon Request. [Please Note:- Text Break] 42.