Folio Archives 117: Raid on the Treasure Trains by Sir Francis Drake 1954

Sir Francis Drake’s Raid on the Treasure Trains, Being the Memorable Relation of His Voyage to the West Indies in 1572 Faithfully Taken from Eye-Witness Reports by Members of the Expedition and Enlarged by Drake’s Own Hand 1954

This small book, with a very long title, is a detailed first hand account of events that took place almost 450 years ago, and thus gives an extraordinary insight into the mindset and morals of the era. It was first published in 1626, and reveals a lot about the personality of Drake himself.

In 1572 Sir Francis Drake and his brother set off from England in two small ships to intercept the mule trains that transported the gold and silver looted from the Aztecs across the Panama peninsula before they were shipped to Spain. In the book he details his experiences, successes and setbacks in this venture. He collaborated with the Cimaroons (mixed blood escaped Negro slaves and local Indians) and a French adventurer along the way, but dealt with his adversaries, the Spanish, in a surprisingly fair way. His intrepid acts at the Spanish port of Cartagena were particularly audacious. This was Drake's first major venture, and its success set him up with connections and fame that established his enduring reputation.

Bound in dark blue cloth printed with a minimal wave pattern in green and a gilt design on the cover, this 92 page book has been edited by Janet and John Hampden, and contains a frontispiece and seven integrated wood engravings by Geoffrey Wales. It was the presentation volume for 1954, and books with "Printed for Members" on the title page were issued with no dust-jacket. Those with "Westminster, The Folio Society" on the title page were issued with a turquoise dust-jacket (see >2 cronshaw: and >14 affle: below). Neither version had a slipcase. The book has map endpapers that locate all the important locations in the tale, and measures 22.1x14.4cm.







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An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.

>1 wcarter: Many thanks again for your ongoing archive-building, Warwick! This is indeed a charming volume with Geoffrey Wales' wood engravings. There's just one small erratum: it was actually issued in a turquoise dustjacket, though the large majority of the copies available on the secondary market seem shorn of this topsail. I've copied here the image one of two copies currently on abe that include the DJ:

>2 cronshaw:
Thank you for this information. Original post modified accordingly.

>2 cronshaw:

I've had the book in its naked form for years. I assumed, given its vintage and that it was a presentation volume, it either came that way or with one of Folio\s glassine wrappers which would have given up the ghost a long time ago (I threw mine away to save myself the sight of these sorry-looking things curling up and dying). Your post delighted me and I set off in pursuit to find that the Abe books dealer in question is, in fact. my "local" bookshop. Collected it earlier today and now it sits proudly on my shelf. Thank you again, Russell - you are absolutely the best at finding obscure treasures for my collection. The naked Drake will shortly be heading to eBay.

To eBay. Isn't that devious?

>4 folio_books: I'm delighted you grabbed that copy, Glenn. It couldn't have found a fonder, fadder home. Buying a second copy of a Folio for the sake of the dustjacket must come under level 10 Folio Acquisition Disorder.

>6 cronshaw: Buying a second copy of a Folio for the sake of the dustjacket must come under level 10 Folio Acquisition Disorder.

Better yet, paying 25 quid for a less than perfect dj. Sad to say, not the first time. I've bought Folios for their slipcases, too. Was it worth it? Well, watch me saunter past that bookcase, see the enigmatic little smile that teases the corners of my mouth upwards, and decide for yourself.

>7 folio_books: Yup, you're a level 10, minimum. It seems to be rare dustjacket judging from the copies on abebooks: not one remaining listing mentions a DJ. Smile not so little nor so enigmatic methinks!

>8 cronshaw:

Thank you, Russell ;) (enigmatic smile)

I had no idea such a thing existed until you shared the photo.

>8 cronshaw:
>9 folio_books:

Perfectly understandable. I agree with everything, and would have done the same.

>10 drasvola:

I'm feeling better about it already, Antonio. The smile grows a little wider each time I glance at the shelf.

I guess it is now my turn to seek out a copy with a cover, now that I know that is the way in which it was issued.
Faddiction is incurable!

>12 wcarter: Faddiction is incurable!

Indeed it is. Once you know it's there you've got to have it. Good luck in your search, Warwick. I'll keep my eyes open for you.

>12 wcarter:

Your copy was issued without the wrapper: it's the PV with the words 'Printed for Members only' on the title page. It was also issued without these words, but with a dustwrapper. (ref Folio 60). It is essential to have both. I have both to find.

As a descendant of the victims, and in their representation, I am happy to report that I bear no grudge to Sir Francis. Such is the course of history.

>14 affle: I have both to find.

As I have mentioned on occasion I am desperately short of space for books so collecting multiple copies of anything is a luxury I can rarely afford. I was about to list my original copy on eBay but if you'd like it, consider it yours. PM me with your address. I can confirm it is as you say in your message, with "Printed for Members only" on the title page. Good luck in your search for a copy with the dj.

See, Russell, maybe I'm not quite as hopelessly addicted as >14 affle: Alan here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

>4 folio_books:

Forget your squeamishness: the glassine wrappers will be resurrected in all their translucency in the wcarter memorial infinity library ;-).

Meanwhile, in reality: congratulations on satisfying that old FAD itch :-)

>14 affle: Thanks Alan for that further research and invaluable information.

It's essential to have both.

Clearly also double figure level FAD.

>18 cronshaw: 'It's essential to have both.'

I have confessed to Glenn that I was merely troublemaking...

>14 affle: It is essential to have both.

Here are listings (same seller/ item) of a 3rd variation with slipcase.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134140796171
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31212147799