Corte-Real, Jeronimo | First edition narrative of the Age of Discovery's appetite for disaster

Corte-Real, Jeronimo

Naufragio e lastimoso sucesso da perdiçam de Manoel de Sousa de Sepulveda, & Dona Lianor de Sá sua mulher, e filhos, Vindo da India para este Reyno na Náo chamada o Galião grande S. João, que se perdeo no cabo de Boa-Esperança, na terra do Natal... [Lisbon]: Na Oficina de Simão Lopez, 1594

4to (180 x 110 mm). Title page in red and black, woodcut initial; small open tear at lower margin of the page, affecting contemporary monogram in ink but not text, repair to license leaf, affecting few letters on the verso, small chipping or paper flaw to D1v just affecting single letter of catchword, minor rippling particularly to later gatherings, final 18 leaves with outer margins slightly shorter, possibly supplied from another copy. Modern green quarter morocco over pebbled paper boards, smooth spine with filets in gilt and blind, title gilt-lettered, text block edge stained yellow, pink endpapers; slight rubbing and wear to corners, dust soiling to top edges. 

First edition of an epic poem detailing Portugal’s highly covered maritime disaster.

Written during a significant period of Portuguese exploration and colonial expansion, Naufragio's coverage of the 1552 shipwreck of the São João reflects the popular fascination with the pursuit of empire, presenting it as both a point of national pride and a source for tragic drama. One of many poets and writers celebrating the era of Portuguese discovery, Corte-Real wrote Naufragio, regarded as his most important work. This genre of maritime tragedy would only grow larger in popularity; the tale of the São João was one of many stories (see lot 313) collected in Historia tragico-maritima, published in 1735–36.

Corte-Real's own history of military service is debated. He may have served under King Sebastião of Portugal and faced capture in North Africa; others purport that he was dismissed from service due to age. Nevertheless, this work reveals that where empire goes, soldiers and writers must follow.

REFERENCES

Anselmo 803; Azevedo-Samodães 916; Barata, Antonio Franciso, Subsidios para a biogrpahia do poeta Jeronymo Corte Real, p. 8; Barbosa Machado II, 497; British Museum, Pre-1601 Spanish/Portuguese STC (1966), 133; Brunet II, 310; King Manuel l, 234; Manoel de Faria de Sousa, Europa Portuguesa, Vol III, p. 19; not in Adams; Lisbon, Academia das Ciências, Livros quinhentistas portugueses.