The Pisgah-Sight of Palestine is a significant work by Thomas Fuller, an English churchman and historian, first published in 1650. This book combines geography, biblical history, and personal observation to provide a detailed view of the Holy Land as understood in the 17th century, alongside a narrative of the historical events of the Bible that took place there. Written during a period of forced exile under Oliver Cromwell's rule, this work reflects Fuller's moderate religious views and his tolerance towards unorthodox groups, positions that were under attack by the Puritans of his time.
The title A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine is inspired by the biblical Mount Pisgah, from which Moses was granted his first and only view of the Promised Land. Thomas Fuller (1608-1661), a loyalist English clergyman, scholar, and writer, was celebrated for his preaching and renowned for his wit. Through this work, Fuller sought to provide a detailed description of the Promised Land, blending his deep religious convictions with a scholarly approach to geography and history.
The book is distinguished by its inclusion of a full-sized folding map of the Holy Land and double-page maps detailing the territories belonging to the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Fuller modeled these maps on the work of Christian van Adrichom, a 16th-century Dutch priest and surveyor known for his detailed cartographic representations of biblical lands. Fuller's maps are notable for their decorative elements and aesthetic touches, featuring cartouches, embellishments, and illustrations that, while aiming for precision, also serve to beautify the text.
Despite the decorative nature of the maps and the quaintness perceived in Fuller's pious approach, "A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine" stands out as a significant contribution to English biblical scholarship. It represents the first earnest English effort to convey the geography of the Holy Land through both text and maps, predating the many Bible atlases. Fuller's reliance on biblical and classical sources to inform his descriptions demonstrates a dedication to accuracy and detail, making his work an invaluable resource for understanding how the geography of the Holy Land was conceptualized in the 17th century.
Provenance
John Hunt, his ink inscription, dated 1702, on letterpress title.
Martha Bartlett, early ink inscription on engraved title "...her Book gave me by my Aunt Hunt it haveing been her sons im' John Hunt mercer in Stratford upon Avon Warwickshire.
Harold E. Matthews, his book label on front pastedown.