SAVE A BOOK V:
The History of the World
by Sir Walter Raleigh
The first and second editions of Sir Walter Raleigh's History of the World are the subject of Save A Book V. English soldier, author, member of Parliament, and explorer, Raleigh (also spelled "Ralegh") was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. Tradition alleges that he spread his cape in the mud for the Queen to walk over. Raleigh established the ill-fated English colony on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and was a friend of Edmund Spenser and encouraged him to publish the first three books of The Faerie Queene. He was the author of many works, including one on his exploration of Guiana. After the accession of James I in 1603 he was charged with treason and spent 13 years in the Tower of London, where he wrote the History of the World. Raleigh was beheaded on October 29, 1618.
During his imprisonment, Raleigh wrote his History of the World, which was published in 1614. "Ralegh's act of publication in 1614 has, however, a larger political significance. It is the act of a politician and soldier, who, denied an opportunity to participate in the active world because of his imprisonment, turns to reading histories and then to writing one based on his reading, in order to contribute to the common weal." (Anna Beer, Sir Walter Ralegh and His Readers in the Seventeenth Century New York., St. Martins: 1997, p.36) A second edition of the History was published in 1617 before he was beheaded on October 29, 1618. Numerous other editions and abridgments were published in the 17th century including those of 1621, 1628, 1634, 1652, 1662, 1677, and 1687.
Funds raised in Save A Book V will be used to make minor repairs, repair the sewing, and replace the worn-out bindings with conservation bindings. Donors of $50.00 or more will be included on the donor sheet inserted in the rebound volumes.