Discussions of the Arabian Peninsula, with maps

Botero, Giovanni. Relationi universali. Arricchite di molte cosse rare, e memorabili. E con ultima mano dell'autore.

Venice, Giunta, 1640.

4to. (8), 800, (36) pp. With 4 folding engr. plates (Europe, Asia, Africa, America).

(Bound with) II: The same. Della ragioni di stato, libri dieci. Ibid., 1640. (8), 264 pp. Contemporary vellum with ms. spine title.

 4,500.00

Famous geographical treatise by Giovanni Botero (1544-1617), with Arabia pictured on both the Asia and the Africa plate, and discussions of the Arabian Peninsula (pp. 120 ff.), the Middle East (pp. 123 ff.), "Arabia troglodotica" [!] (p. 130 f.), Egypt (pp. 131 ff.). Originally conceived as a statistical examination of the ecumenical propagation of Christianity, in subsequent editions the work gradually expanded until it formed a comprehensive repertory of anthropology and geography, with systematic accounts of the physical properties, demographics, economic resources, military power, and political constitution of all states of the world.

Appended to this is Botero's famous treatise "Della ragion di Stato" (The Reason of State), in which Botero argues - against Machiavelli - that a prince's power must be based on some form of consent of his subjects, and princes must make every effort to win the people's affection and admiration.

Some browning throughout; occasional insignificant edge defects and small tears; traces of old library stamps.

References

Graesse I, 504. Cf. Cox I, 71.