The Western Wonder; or, O Brazeel, an Inchanted Island discovered; with a Relation of Two Ship-wracks in a dreadful Sea-storm in that discovery. To which is added, a Description of a Place, called, Montecapernia, relating the Nature of the People, their Qualities, Humours, Fashions, Religion, &c.

1674 [Head, Richard] (1637-86). The Western Wonder; or, O Brazeel, an Inchanted Island discovered; with a Relation of Two Ship-wracks in a dreadful Sea-storm in that discovery. To which is added, a Description of a Place, called, Montecapernia, relating the Nature of the People, their Qualities, Humours, Fashions, Religion, &c. London: Ptd. for N.C. Rpt. London: Ptd. for N.C., 1676. One copy at the British Library is in a volume of “Tracts on Ireland”.  Francis Kirkman has been suggested as an alternative to Head as author, but Head is generally accepted as the author. CSmH, ICN, L, MH, O

Satire. Begins with an argument that O Brazeel is an actual island but enchanted. O Brazeel is in some ways a classic eutopia of abundance; “. . . whatever grew, came up spontaneously, without the labour of hands” (6), but the island was controlled by Satan, although it is freed from his rule. Montecapernia is both rich in parts and barren in parts. Generally considered to be a description of Ireland and Wales. See also 1673 and 1675 Head. The author was born and raised in Ireland.