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Aleman, Matheo ROGUE: Or the Life of Guzman de Alfarache. Written in Spanish by Matheo Aleman, Servant to His Catholic Majestie, and Borne in Sevill. [With] THE ROGUE; Or the Second Part of the Life... London For Edward Blount 1623

Two parts in one volume. VERY RARE FIRST EDITION OF THE FIRST TRANSLATION INTO ENGLISH. [Translated by James Mabbe] With an engraved title to each part and numerous engraved head and tail-pieces throughout. Folio, full contemporary calf, the boards with double ruled borders in blind, spine with tall raised bands ruled in blind, one compartment with a red morocco label lettered and multi-ruled in gilt. [xxiv], 267; [xvi], 357 pp. A very fresh, clean and unpressed copy, the prelims to the first book just a touch dusty from age, the binding in absolutely original state and without sophistication, hinges starting and with splits, cords strong and sound, the text-block firm and solid.

THE VERY RARE FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH OF A TRULY IMPORTANT WORK IN THE HISTORY OF SPANISH LITERATURE. Considered to be the first of the Picaresque Novels, THE ROGUE was written originally in 1599 and 1604, a few years prior to, and very influential for, Cervantes DON QUIXOTE. THE ROGUE began a new genre of literature and passed through no less then 16 editions in the original Spanish within five years of initial printing.
The story of a life of crime eventually leading to repentance was extremely popular in its own time. This is the first translation of the work into English. Although uncredited we know the translator to have been James Mabbe. Mabbe also translated some of the earlier works of Cervantes. He is also believed to be I.M., author of the 4th commendatory verse to the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays.

$US4950

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