John Pory

John Pory (1572 – 1633) was an English politician, administrator, traveller, and author during the Jacobean and Caroline eras; the skilled linguist may have been the first news correspondent in English-language journalism. As the first Speaker of the Virginia General Assembly, Pory established parliamentary procedures for that legislative body still in use today (although members now elect their Speaker). Quotes The kingdome of Benin [has] a very proper towne of that name, and an haven called Gurte. The inhabitants live in idolatry, and are a rude and brutish nation; notwithstanding that their prince is served with such high reverence, and never commeth in sight but with great solemnity, and many ceremonies: at whose death his chiefe favorites count it the greatest point of honour to be buried with him, to the end (as they vainly imagine) they may doe him service in another world. Expansion of Leo Africanus, A Geographical Historie of Africa (London: G. Bishop, 1600) "A Description of Places Undescribed by Leo", "Of the countries of Benin, Meleghete, Ghinea, and Sierra Leona", p. 42. See also: Ramusio (c. 1540) External links Category:1572 births Category:1633 deaths Category:University of Cambridge alumni Category:Members of the Parliament of England Category:Non-fiction authors from England Category:Travel writers