First complete edition, and first edition of the second part. Cubero’s was the first circumnavigation performed eastwards, first making his way from Europe to Asia, then America –through Mexico and Cuba- and finally back to Europe. Cubero (ca. 1645 - ca. 1697) was a Spanish Priest and missionary, he studied humanities, philosophy and theology; in 1671 the Congregation of Propagande Fidesent him as an Apostolic Preacher to Asia and the East Indies, mission during which he would travel largely across Russia (Moscow), Turkey (Istanbul), Armenia, Persia, etc., making his way to Goa and Madras. In Malacca he would be detained by the Dutch for a short period of time, after which he journeyed once more, this time towards the Philippines, then making the famous route between Manila and Mexico. He set sail across the Caribbean –visiting Cuba- and reached Spain in 1680. “Towards the end of the volume, Cubero describes his experiences of the New World” (Sabin).
Cubero made most of his route by land, thus being constantly in touch with the costumes, religions and ceremonies of the people he visited, describing them in considerable detail. The second part of this work “largely concerns his adventures with the army in Europe, as well as describing the battle of Arsan and other notable events. Named Apostolic Confessor to the army of the Holy Roman Emperor, he served the Emperor against Turcs in Ungria, and was present at the blockade of Buda” (Howgego).
Provenance: seller´s ticket on back pastedown, “Luis Bardon Librero Anticuario”; Christie´s, London.
Palau, 65758 & 65759; Sabin, 17821; Howgego, c225.
