A relation of some yeares travaile into Afrique and the greater Asia, especially the territories of the Persian monarchie, and some parts of the orientall Indies and iles adiacent...

A Relation of Some Yeares Travaile, published in 1634, represents the genre of travel literature that emerged as English colonial expansion accelerated in the subsequent decades. The author, Thomas Herbert, offers a comprehensive and detailed account of his travels through Persia, East Africa, and nearby Island, meticulously documenting his observations. The book is particularly notable for its exploration of foreign cultures, languages, and traditions, but also due to its depiction of regions that were largely unfamiliar to his contemporaries in England at the time.

Background: Author, Dedication, and Genre

Author

Thomas Herbert was a historian and courtier to King Charles I. This book was initially part of a diplomatic mission led by Sir Dodmore Cotton to Persia.However, following the mission's failure due to Cotton's death, Herbert continued to travel and gather information across the region. He then went on to publish his observations in 1634 which was later expanded and republished in 1638. The second edition became a significant success and was quickly translated into Dutch and French, indicating the book's widespread appeal and impact on the European audience.

Dedication

In the dedication section of the book, Herbert recognizes Philip Herbert, the 4th Earl of Pembroke. Philip was a prominent figure at the English Court under James I, known for his intelligence, craftiness, and bad temper. He rapidly ascended in English society after his early introduction to court life. King James I grew a liking to him due to Philip’s passion for hunting. Philip had a strategic marriage to Susan de Vere which linked him to the powerful Cecil family, thereby furthering his courtly influence. Philip wasn’t very active from a political standpoint, serving as a Member of Parliament for Glamorgan and later becoming Lord Chamberlain under Charles I. Notably, however, Philip was very involved with the arts, sponsoring prominent characters like Shakespeare and Van Dyck. Philip carefully navigated court politics and made significant cultural contributions that left a lasting impact on the English aristocracy. He died in 1650.

Genre

In "Literature, Travel, and Colonial Writing in the English Renaissance", Andrew Hadfield highlights the multifaceted role of travel writing during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, emphasizing its link with political and ideological movements of the era. Travel writing not only served to document geographical and cultural information but also acted as a medium for political commentary and advocacy for colonial expansion. Authors like Thomas Herbert used their narratives to influence England's political landscape, promoting ideas that aligned with their beliefs. Travel writing was instrumental in reevaluating personal and national identities. These writings challenged cultural assumptions by introducing readers to the “magnificent other.” Illustrators, like William Marshall, enhanced these works with engravings that complemented the texts' “grandeur.”

In the 16th and early seventeenth century travel writing wasn't strictly defined. Many of these writings often exhibited a Eurocentric view, evaluating and judging foreign cultures through European standards. This strongly influenced political and cultural attitudes toward colonization and interactions with non-European societies.