"Morysen's Itinerary" – 1617 – by Fynes Moryson [1st Ed.]

Published in 1617 and known as "Moryson's Itinerary," it is the first instance of "Merry Christmas" to be found in print.

"...so suddenly as his wife and eldest son were taken, and himself hardly escaped at a backe window, and naked, into the woods, where he kept a cold Christmas, while my Lord hued plentifully in his house, with such provisions as were made, for him and his Bonnaghs and kerne to keepe a merry Christmas."

Fynes Moryson. 'An Itinerary containing His Ten Years Travel through the Twelve Dominions of Germany, Bohmerland, Switzerland, Netherland, Denmarke, Poland, Italy, Turkey, France, England, Scotland and Ireland [Morysen's Itinerary].' Hardcover. 1617. Very Good. First Edition. 888pp. John Beale. London. Language: English. AN ITINERARY WRITTEN BY FYNES MORYSON GENT. First in the Latine Tongue, and Then Translated by Him Into English: Containing His Ten Years Travel Through the Twelve Dominions of Germany, Bohmerland, Switzerland, Netherland, Denmarke, Poland, Italy, Turky, France, England, Scotland and Ireland. Divided into III parts.

A well preserved copy of this valuable work. The binding is sturdy and strong, leather spine with five raised bands; one compartment with the title in gilt on red morocco, slipcase in a good condition some shelf wear. 9 x 13.75 x 2.5 in. Inventory #14715.