The Travels of Pedro de Cieza de Leon, A. D. 1532-50, contained in the First Part of His Chronicle of Peru

8vo [23 x 15 cm]; 4, 12 [Hakluyt Society catalogue], 438 pp, frontis is foldout partly hand-colored map, backed on linen. orig blue cloth, gilt vignette on front cover, gilt spine lettering partly rubbed but visible, spine faded & worn at ends, bookplate removed from front endpaper, slight foxing on few leaves, map untorn, joint repaired, clean sound copy, vg in good cover. The ink inscription on the title page by Markham reads, 'Charles C. Bowen with the translator's affectionate regards, Dec 9th, 1864'. This is the 33rd publication of the first series of the Hakluyt Society and includes Markham's translation of the original edition printed in Antwerp in 1554 as well as his detailed 40 page introduction that provides a good historical perspective and biographical details of Cieza de Leon. Markham had become an expert on Peru and on the native peoples there, having researched and written several works on the subject. Cieza de Leon's work provides an important reference of the time. He was the first European to give a name to the avocado and likely the first to write of the potato, which would be introduced to Europe. His was the first account of the Spanish conquest of Peru and provides details on the Incas, their customs, institutions, beliefs, economy, military. He was a sympathetic observer of the Spanish caused carnage and provides a valuable first-hand account of the area and the peoples.