Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Sales catalogue 534: Maggs Bros. Source: Wellcome Collection.
8/180 page 2
![Brasca (Santo)—continued. Cornaro then reigned) in order to pick up the Venetian Ambassador, Ambrosio Contarin, who was returning to Venice. A stop was also made at Rhodes Isiand, then held by the Knights of St. John, who the very year of Brasca’s visit had so epically resisted a siege from the whole forces of Mohammed II; Brasca describes sae detail. The pilgrim-ship came to berth again at Venice on the 22nd of October. Supplementing his narrative, Brasca has compiled a guide-book to Palestine. Here he has drawn up an itinerary for a pilgrim in the Holy Land; and for the benefit of wealthier and more ambitious pilgrims, he has extended it to Cairo (which he describes quite fully). Introducing this work are two and a half pages of general instructions and directions for the intending pilgrims. These pages are filled with most illuminating information as to the passenger service existing between Venice and Palestine towards the end of the fifteenth century. We learn that 200 Venetian ducats (equivalent to 90 pounds) were required for the pilgrimage; or, at very least, 150 ducats, 100 covering the bare expenses of the journey, and the other 50 being a necessary margin against unforeseen occurrences. Every year a Venetian boat was commissioned to carry pilgrims to the Holy Land; and a passage could be obtained from the master of the vessel for 50-60 ducats (the return journey), with an additional charge for food. In making preparations for the pilgrimage, the pilgrim is advised as to the kind of clothing he will need; what bedding to take; what food and drink he should purchase; what to take for sea-sickness; what tributes have to be paid in Palestine; and even to whom tips should be given, the recipients including the writer, the trumpeters, the drummers, the archers, the cooks, etc. The guide to the Holy Land is followed by some verses composed by Santo Brasca on Mount Calvary, and others made in the Valley of Josaphat, at the tomb of the Virgin Mary. Ending the book is a letter in Latin, addressed to Brasca by Ambrosio Archinto, the publisher of the work. This book is excessively rare; it is many years since the last copy was offered for sale. The reason that so few copies have survived is obvious: the book has travelled as few other incunabula; it would be purchased by pilgrims to Palestine, who, on account of its handy size, could include it in their oufit. The copy now offered is a large one, its excellent condition marred only by a small hole in the first four leaves, which has affected a few letters of text (neatly restored). 1507 A.D. [502] DORIA (Andrea, 1468-1560). Genoese Naval Commander. Restored the Independence of Genoa. Autograph Letter Signed to the Protectors of the Bank of St. George. 14-page, gto. St. Francis, 7th July, 1507. £21 A letter entirely in the hand of this famous 15th-16th Century Genoese Admiral. It is of the greatest rarity. (Trans.) :—‘‘ Reasons, which my relative Thomas, whom I have informed, will explain to your Lordships on my behalf, have obliged me to send him express. Will it please you to listen to him as to myself and send him back immediately with the reply. I recommend myself to your good graces.”’](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b3182822x_0008.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
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