Fletcher (Giles) Of the Russe Common Wealth, first edition, title within typographic border, woodcut initials and decorations, lacks initial leaf (blank except for signature A), a few minor repairs to title and a few other corners, some light browning, later russia, gilt, g.e., rebacked preserving original spine, [STC 11056], 8vo, Printed by T[homas] D[awson] for Thomas Charde, 1591.

⁂ Scarce and important early history of the Russian Empire. Fletcher (c.1548-1611) was a poet and diplomat who was sent as an ambassador to Russia in 1588 to re-establish a treaty with Tsar Feodor I, essentially for the benefit of trade. This account which covers much about the country and its people was written on his return and borrows at least in part from other writers such as Herberstein and the accounts of English merchants.

Provenance: Newberry Library (Chicago) duplicate, with de-accession note dated 8.24.93 (bookplate).