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catalogue n ˚ 1 - hs rare books & maps
Travel & Exploration
Cat HS tapa 3_layout 1 3/12/14 6:05 AM Page 2
catalogue n ˚ 1
Travel &
Exploration
hs rare books & maps
Cat HS corregido_layout 1 3/12/14 6:08 AM Page 1
catalogue n ˚ 1
Travel &
Exploration
A selection of stock:
Including general voyages, South Americana,
Vocabularies, Iconography, Philippine & American Imprints,
Jesuitica, South East Asia, China & Australia
hs rare books & maps - 2014
hs rare books
san martin de tours 3190,
capital federal
cp 1425
argentina
(+54) 911 5512 7770
email: [email protected]
website: www.hsrarebooks.com
by appointment only
all items are guaranteed to be complete unless otherwise noted.
returns are accepted within 7 days of receipt.
front cover: item nº 6
back cover: item nº 37
[
]
travel, exploration & iconography
shs rare books & maps
2
Index
africa
13, 18, 27, 45, 55 & 58
america
2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31,
33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 43, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 60 & 61
asia
1, 4, 5, 16, 18, 23, 25, 32, 33, 38, 41, 42, 44, 47, 51, 53, 54, 55 & 57
australia
54 & 55
brazil
2, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 28, 33, 34, 36, 48, 50 & 60
china
5, 44, 49 & 55
colombia
3, 9, 10, 30 & 56
iconography & plate books
3, 6, 7, 19, 26, 27, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 48, 52 & 56
jesuits
2, 9, 14, 28, 29, 30, 32, 36, 39, 42, 44, 48, 50 & 61
mexico
17, 18, 19, 21 & 55
paraguay & argentina
2, 28, 29, 31, 36, 40 & 60
philippines & south east asia
14, 16, 23, 38, 41, 44, 46, 47, 49, 54, 55 & 57
venezuela
8, 9, 10, 17, 22, 30 & 61
[ 3 ]
1. A major botanical work on the East Indies, rare first edition
acosta, cristoval de; orta, garcia da. Tractado de las drogas y medicinas de las Indias orientales, con sus plantas debuxadas al bivo. 1578.
Burgos Martin de Victoria. In 4to (190 mm x 125 mm). 12 ff. + 448 +
38 + 1 ff. Later, possibly 18th century, vellum. Light uniform toning
and scattered foxing, a wide-margined copy, generally fresh.
First edition. Acosta (ca. 1525 - ca. 1592) was a Portuguese physician and
botanist, a pioneer in the study of the oriental flora and their application in pharmacology; he travelled to the East Indies for the first time
in 1550 —working as a soldier—, whilst in Goa he met Garcia Orta,
the great botanist and author of the Coloquios, a main source for the
Tractados. “In Goa he met with the botanist Garcia d’Orta, whose
Coloquios dos simples (1563) was the first European account of Indian
materia medica and tropical medicine; Garcia d’Orta’s contributions to
the present treatise were acknowledged by Acosta on the title-page.
Acosta’s work has been called little more than a translation of the
Coloquios, but it clearly surpasses the earlier work in its systematic,
first-hand observations of both East and West Indian plants and its
illustrations after Acosta’s own accurate drawings. Among the Asian
plants described were ginger, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, opium and
cardamom; among the American plants were pineapple, sugar cane,
rubber and the Indian fig of Peru.” (Norman). The Tratado is “written
in a fluid and concise style. It offers systematic, first-hand observations
of the Oriental drugs and is illustrated by woodcuts made from his
own accurate drawings. This book clearly surpases that of d’Orta,
whose contributions Acosta readily acknowledges” (DSB).
A rare work, finely illustrated with a woodcut portrait of Acosta and over
40 text illustrations, almost full-page; the illustrations are mostly of
[ 4 ]
plants, however there are two showing elephants. All the illustrations are
after Acosta’s own drawings and produced during his stay in India. He
also wrote the “Historia natural, y moral de las Indias, en que se tratan las
cosas notables del cielo, y elementos, metales, plantas, y animales dellas”
(Seville, 1590), considered one of the most important works on the
Spanish American possessions “the most convincing, detailed, and reliable account of the riches and new things of America” (Hill).
sabin, 113. palau, 1962. durling, norman 1. garrison-morton, 1819.
[ 5 ]
2. Extremely rare report on the Revolt of the Comuneros,
the ideals that would forge the Independence a century later
angles y gortari, mathias de. Copia del Ynforme que hizo en la Villa
de Potosy Sobre los punctos que han sido causa de las discordias sucedidas en la Ciudad de Asuncion de la Provincia del Paraguay,y del testimonio de la Carta, que el M. R. P. Laurencia Rillo de la Compañía
de Jesus provincial de la Sancta Provincia del Paraguay escrivio a dicho
General. N.d. [1729]. N.p. [Lima?] [bound after] Sommario di documenti autentici citati nel supplemento alle riflessioni e all’ appendice
de’ portoghesi. parte prima. 1760. Genova. In 4to (180 mm x 125 mm).
2 ff. [blank] + 1 ff. + 136; 60 pp. Near contemporary grain long morocco, double gilt filets and interlacing fillets to boards, spine tolled,
rubbed. Uniform browning, very good otherwise.
First edition of the Copia del Ynforme, bound together with the first
Italian translation. The Copia is exceedingly rare; we have been unable
to trace any copies (not in WorldCat, CCPBE, JCB), except for the
later edition, as part of the Colección General de Documentos (Madrid,
Imprenta Real de la Gazeta, 1768/69).
Angles y Gortari arrived in Paraguay in 1728 after being commissioned
to investigate the Comunero Revolt; ostensibly, the revolt was based on
the thought that the will of the King cannot be above the will of the
common folk. The historical background is complex: in 1717 Reyes de
Balmaceda was appointed as Governor of Paraguay. Soon after, complaints reached the Royal Audiencia of Charcas of his abusive conduct; Panamanian Jose de Antequera y Castro (1690-1731) was sent to
study the case. In 1721, as a result of Antequera’s intervention, Reyes
de Balmaceda was removed from his post —Antequera himself replacing Reyes in an arbitrary fashion— and a conflict emerged which
included armies coming from Buenos Aires lead by Bruno Mauricio
[ 6 ]
de Zabala and the retreat of the comunero forces. During the process,
disobedience, partisanship and treason were common. In all, the
revolt was unsuccessful and the participants executed with extreme
prejudice, however the ideal of emancipation and rights for the people
remained. This was one of the most important colonial attempts to
reach the King requesting being heard and taken into account. These
events would be well documented in a work by Pedro Lozano, ca. 1735
“Historia de las revoluciones de la Provincia del Paraguay en la América
Meridional. Desde el año de 1721 hasta el de 1735”. Angles later wrote in
1731 the Ynforme del General… sobre las causas delas diferencias en el
Paraguay, en virtud del proceder de los Jesuitas en las misiones de este país.
Provenance: this copy would appear to be the same offered by Otto Lange
in 1938.
palau, 12657 & 12659.
[ 7 ]
3. Splendid rendering of Bogota
[ 8 ]
[ 9 ]
austin, c. f. t. Vista de Bogota. 1831. [Bogota]. Recently went through
professional restoration, restorer’s analysis available upon request. The
view had been folded; now flattened and backed, very good condition
overall. 1295 mm x 430 mm.
A cornerstone to Colombian iconography; this is —as far as we have
found— a previously unknown view of Bogota. The view was created
from a high point and thanks to its generous size; it allows a comprehensive view of the city, thus a terrific piece for Colombian iconography. It illustrates in detail two women in local attires and a llanero riding a horse, wearing pants made of wild cat.
The city is shown from the outskirts, in harmony with the imposing
mountains at the back. Bogota’s Cathedral is clearly an unequivocally
distinguishable, and so are the bell towers standing besides it and the
dome (structures all still standing), further to the right.
With no doubt, amongst the best artistic insights of the Colombia’s
Capital City a few years after becoming a Republic, possibly not at all
that different from when it was Capital of the Viceroyalty of New
Granada.
There is very little known about Austin, although we find a lithograph
by him at the “Coleccion Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar”, engraved by
Harris and published by Rudolf Ackermann (also in “Mapoteca
Colombiana”, Uricoechea, 1860, nº 76).
A more detailed description can be provided upon request.
[ 10 ]
[ 11 ]
[ 12 ]
4. Lafreri-school map of India and the Indian Ocean
bertelli, ferrando. Seconda Tavola (showing the Indian subcontinent).
1565. Venice. An excellent example of this rare map, with wide original
margins, not extended for atlas adaptation as is often found; very
clean, with strong impression. 400 mm x 300 mm.
A rare separately published Italian-school map of India, parts of
Arabia, Sumatra, the Maldives, Pakistan and the Indian Ocean.
Bertelli’s map follows closely the first edition of Ramusio’s woodblock
map, published in his Delle Navigatione e Viaggi, and showing the
region in an inverted orientation. Ramusio’s woodblock was destroyed
in a fire in 1557, so presumably only a few copies made it. The engraving itself is striking, with sea monster and ships sailing along the
coastline.
The map is based on the latest Portuguese sources, whereupon the
coastlines the peninsula of the Indian Subcontinent and Sri Lanka
take on a modern form. However, the mouth of the Indus is too
pronounced, and is located far to the east, on the wrong side of
Gujarat. The map gives primacy to various details critical to the trade
and commerce of the Portuguese Empire that dominated the Indian
Ocean in the sixteenth-century. One will notice the key ports of Goa,
Calicut, and Diu (in India), and Hormuz (in Persia), which were bulwarks of Lusitanian commerce.
[ 13 ]
[ 14 ]
5. From the library of Charles de Lorraine;
primary French source-books
on Vietnam, Siam & and the Far East
bourges, jacques de. Relation du Voyage de Monseigneur l’evesque de
Beryte, Vicaire Apostolique du Royaume de la Cochinchine [bound
with]. pallu, francois. Relation abregee des mission et des voyages
aux Royaumes de la Chine, Cochinchine, Tonquin & Siam. 1683 &
1682. Paris. Charles Angot. Two volumes in one, in 8vo Eighteenthcentury sang-de-bœuf calf, triple rule gilt border to boards, spine richly gilt in compartments, all edges gilt, expertly recased, some wear to
boards, corners very slightly bumped. A fine copy lightly browned,
ownership inscription to first title.
A finely bound copy of the first French account of Siam and Pallu’s
work on the missions in China and Tonquin. The Bourges is in its
third edition and the Pallu in its second edition (all editions are rare).
Father de Bourges (c.1630-1714) was a member of the first Catholic
mission to Siam, arriving with his two fellow missionaries in 1662 to
Ayuthaya. Since Siam was tolerant of other religions it became a safe
place for the missionaries to establish themselves, and in 1664 a second group led by Monseigneur Pallu joined the fathers in Siam after
a two-year journey overland. Francois Pallu (1626-1684) was a French
Bishop and missionary in Asia and a founding member of the Paris
Foreign Missions Society; he was originally recruited by Alexander
de Rhodes and sent to the Far East along with other missionaries
—namely La Motte. Both works combined give considerable details
and relations on China, Vietnam, Tonkin and the East Indies.
Distinguished provenance: Charles de Lorraine (possibly Charles III,
Duke de Elbeuf ), his signature on the first title page.
cordier, sinica, 827. cordier, sinica, 826.
[ 15 ]
6. A plan of Rio de Janeiro by the Comte de Breteuil,
the last prime minister of pre-revolutionary France, together
with one of the earliest manuscript prospects of the city.
breteuil, louis charles auguste le tonnelier, baron de breteuil,
baron de preuilly. Vüe de Rio de Janeiro [together with] Plan de la
Baye de Rio Janeiro et de ses Deffense, 1757. Plan: 535 by 735 mm (21
by 29 inches); View: 290 by 790 mm (11.5 by 31 inches). Manuscript
plan of the bay of Rio de Janeiro in pen and ink with wash, signed
“Breteuil fecit”, offered together with a pen and ink prospect of Rio
de Janeiro, both dissected and mounted on canvas.
Louis Charles Auguste le Tonnelier, baron de Breteuil, baron de
Preuilly (1730-1807) was a French aristocrat, diplomat, statesman and
politician. He was the last Prime Minister of the Bourbon Monarchy,
appointed by King Louis XVI only one hundred hours before the
storming of the Bastille.
Breteuil was born in 1730 at the chateau of Azay-le-Ferron into a wellconnected aristocratic family. He was educated in Paris before joining
the army, where he served under Thomas Arthur, comte de Lally,
baron de Tollendal (1702-1766) in his ill-fated command of the French
forces in India during the Seven Years’ War. With orders to join the
French forces that were fighting the English in India, Lally and
Breteuil sailed from France on 2 May 1757 on a fleet of 6 boats leased
by the Compagnie française pour le commerce des Indes orientales
under the command of Vice Admiral Anne Antoine, Comte d’Aché
(1701-1780). During the voyage, an epidemic forced the fleet to put in
at Rio de Janeiro for six weeks. The Portuguese, neutral in the conflict
between France and England, initially refused access to the city. This,
quite possibly, as a result of the fact that the French, under Du GuayTrouin, sacked the city in 1701. It is likely that the present plan and
prospect were drawn up during this hiatus, perhaps in contemplation
[ 16 ]
of emulating Du Guay-Trouin’s previous exploits. Indeed, the text
states that the map is based upon a plan made during the expedition
of “Mr Duguay” (Du Guay-Trouin), together with corrections. It also
indicates that the plan was made in conjunction with a prospect of the
city (presumably the accompanying view offered here) and states that
the plan and its companion view may be relied upon as accurate.
The plan is titled “Plan of the Rio de Janeiro Bay and its Defenses”,
and is signed in at the bottom right “Breteuil fecit”. A manuscript legend towards the right of the plan lists the following:
1. The City; 2. The Benedictines; 3. Fort St Sebastien Fort; 4. The
Parish City; 5. The Jesuits; 6. The Franciscans; 7. The aqueduct;
8. Fort Mercy; 9. Island of the goats and snakes; 10. Bishop’s residence;
11. Fort Conception; 12. Aqueduct; 13. Submerged sand bank;
14. Island and fort of the city of Gagnon; 15. The harbour; 16. Island
and Fort Delage; 17. Fort St Jean; 18. Fort St Theodore; 19. Fort Santa
Cruz; 20. Battery Delapre Vermek; 21. Submerged sand bank;
22. Chapel and Battery of Notredame of her travels; 23. Battery;
24. Oil Manufacture of Baleine Pt Leroy.
[ 17 ]
The prospect, or view, is itself inscribed “realised for the Comte de
Breteuil”, thereby re-enforcing the pairing of the two images, and the
text towards the lower right of the image remarks: “This Bay has 8
deep-water anchorages. Two link the Fort Santa Cruz to Rio de
Janeiro. Our troops and our crew are camped in San Domingo, which
faces that city. This view is busy with our vessels. The parts that went
imperfectly have been corrected while travelling through the Bay,
placing here objects that perspective wouldn’t admit.”
Inside a large text box at the lower right, the following are identified:
“A. The City B. Government C. Public Fountain D. Small Vessel in
Construction E. [Orphanage] “Mercy to the Found Children” F. Fort
of Mercy G. Jesuits H. Fort St Sebastian J. Island of the Goats K.
Fort of the Conception and Levesche L. Anchorage of the Portuguese
Fleet M. Old Parish N. College O. Aqueduct P. Customs Q. St Claire
R. Notre Dame de Gloire S. Batterie Theodore T. Battery St Jean V.
Fort X. Fort Villegayen Y. Island and Fort of Laage Z. Vessel greeting
[ 18 ]
the Fort n1 Fort Santa Cruz n2 The six vessels of the French fleet.”
Correa do Lago, in his catalogue of the collection of Olavo Setuval ‘Brasiliana Itau’ —includes a chapter dedicated to drawings and
watercolours. In this he describes a a 1760 prospect of the city by
Blasco (‘Propescto da cidade do Rio de Janeiro vista da parte norte da
Ilha das Cobras’) as “the most detailed and complete panorama of the
eighteenth century”. The next oldest prospect in the Setuval collection
is dated 1795. Further, no comparable prospects are to be found in the
Camargo collection or the Colecao Brasiliana Fundacao Estudar (part
of the Oscar Americano collection).
Provenance: Bibliothèque des ducs de Luynes, Château de Dampierre,
France.
References: see lally, thomas arthur (comte de), ‘Memoirs of Count
Lally, from his embarking for the East Indies…’, London, 1766, p.183.
[ 19 ]
7. A magnificent panorama of Rio de Janeiro
le capelain, john; nicolle, edward; dickson, james. Panoramic Views
of Rio de Janeiro and its surrounding scenery, Lithographed by James
Dickson, from paintings by the late Le Capelain the original sketches by
Edwd. Nicolle Junr Esqre. N.d. [c.1848]. Liverpool. Baines & Herbert.
In oblong folio. Lithograph title & ten tinted lithograph plates. Folio.
Publisher’s brown pebble-grain cloth, upper cover gilt, slightly rubbed.
First edition, sepia issue. A lovely copy of this rare work. Le Capelain
produced the ten views here based on original sketches by Nicolle.
The ten views are uncaptioned and feature images of the city,
Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and the surrounding hills.
The son of a Jersey printer, Le Capelain (1812-1848) received most of his
training in the family business. His artistic talent came to the notice of
many with the publication of his watercolour of Mount Orgueil in
Moss’s Views of the Channel Islands in 1829. He lived in England for a
short while in 1832 and travelled to Scotland and France where he continued to paint. On the visit of Queen Victoria to Jersey, he was commissioned to produce an album of watercolours to comemorate it. The
Queen was so delighted with The Queen’s Visit to Jersey (1847), she asked
him to produce a series of views of the Isle of Wight. Sadly, Le Capelain
died of consumption before he was able to complete the commission.
Abbey’s note is curious, attributing authorship to Le Capelain, who
never travelled further than France. Unfortunately, very little is
known about Nicolle.
Seven copies of this work located on OCLC. Just two copies have
appeared at auction in the past 30 years: one in mordern half morocco, the other disbound.
abbey, 710. borba de moraes, 226.
[ 20 ]
[ 21 ]
[ 22 ]
8. One of the very few and earliest sources of information
on the Caribes and the Provinces of Caracas and Cumana
[carabantes] gonzalez de quiroga, diego. El Nuevo Apostol de
Galicia, religioso Capuchino, y Misionario Apostolico en la America,
y Europa. 1698. Madrid. Oficina de la viuda de Melchor Alvarez. In
8vo (200 mm x 152 mm). 12 ff. + 507 + 12 ff. & portrait of Carabantes.
Contemporary limp vellum, remnants of ties, spine lettered in ink,
slightly soiled, else fine, a most attractive binding. Worm holes to several leaves at the beginning, some affecting a little text, a few foxing
spots and damp staining, else a fresh and clean copy.
First edition. Carabantes (1628-1694) was one of the first Capuchin missionaries in America; although his name was Velazquez, he changed it for
that of his hometown, in 1645, when entering the order. In 1657, he
arrived in the Island of Margarita (Venezuela), from there he went on to
Caracas and Cumana, where he was able to evangelize the Caribes, a tribe
notorious for their cruelty and ferocity; he learned the native’s tongue and
subsequently wrote a vocabulary for the missionaries. His stay in the
region lasted for 9 years, after which he had to travel back to Spain to
defend his fellow missionaries; he planned on returning to the Indies,
however his superiors decided to keep him in Spain, where death found
him short after. It is attributed to him the conversion of five “Caciques”.
The frontispiece shows Carabantes evangelizing amongst mostly children
natives, it’s signed “Gregorio Fosman delineauit et sculpsit Matriti 1696”.
It is one of the few sources of information extant on several Provinces
of Venezuela and local tribes, amongst them: the Caribes, Cuacas,
Tapies, etc. A copy of the “Copia de Carta escrita al Excelentissimo
Señor Marques de Aytona” published in 1666 and written by
Carabantes, is only registered as having appeared for sale by Maggs in
the 20’s; no auction record is found for this work.
sabin, 67345. palau, 105767.
[ 23 ]
9. First edition of one of the most influential and richest sources
of information on the Jesuits in Colombia and Venezuela
cassani, joseph. Historia de la provincia de la compañía de Jesus del
Nuevo Reyno de Granada en la America, descripción, y relación exacta de sus gloriosas missiones en el reyno, llanos, meta, y Rio Orinoco,
almas, y terreno. 1741. Madrid. Manuel Fernández. In folio (292 mm
x 200 mm). 1 [blank] + 14 ff. + 618 + 1 ff. + folding map. Contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, gently soiled, entirely unrestored. A
fine, fresh and tall copy, last folios with damp stain on inner lower
margin, last folio with paper loss away from text, scattered foxing or
browning but overall excellent with the appeal of a genuine copy.
First —and only— edition of this extremely rare and important work
on the Jesuit Missions in New Granada (current Colombia and
Venezuela), including extensive information on the Orinoco. The work
is rich in information regarding the labor and progresses made by the Societas Iesu, the local costumes, way of life, and the history of the region.
It also includes information taken from earlier
Jesuit sources, mainly those of father Gumilla,
who focuses more on the Orinoco. “…a very
important chronicle of a part of America where
there exists very little documentation. It is a work
that, with that of Piedrahita, forms a complete
history of New Granada” (Leclerc). Cassani (16731750) was a Spanish Jesuit professor of mathematics and astronomy, a prolific writer and learned
scholar and ultimately one of the founders of the
Academia de la Lengua Española (1713); amongst
his works we count the Tratado de la naturaleza y
[ 24 ]
origen de los cometas (Madrid, 1737) and a part of the famed biography
of the Jesuits Varones Ilustres de la Compañia de Jesus. As a Jesuit, he had
access to the letters and relations from missionaries to America, which
allowed him to compose this chronicle on the Jesuit exploits in
Colombia. This work is ostensibly the most important and comprehensive made on the subject to the time of its publication.
Illustrated with a folding map of Colombia and Venezuela, by
Minguet after the map by Gumilla —published in his “El Orinoco
Ilustrado”, 1741—, which shows the locations of the full network of
Jesuit missions in the region; includes the mouth of the Orinoco
River, the North of Brazil and “La Cayana” in the Dutch settlements.
sabin, 11361. palau, 47380. backer - sommervogel ii, 815, 12.
[ 25 ]
10. The best history of colonial Venezuela;
a beautiful large paper copy
caulin, antonio. Historia Corografica, natural y evangelica de la Nueva
Andalucia, Provincias de Cumana, Guayana y vertientes del Rio
Orinoco. 1779. [Madrid]. Juan de San Martin. In large folio (345 mm
x 230 mm). 8 ff. + 482 + 7 ff. + 3 plates & large folding map.
Contemporary Spanish calf, raised bands to spine, tooled in gilt, red
morocco lettering piece, slightly rubbed, else perfect. A fine copy in
large paper, scattered foxing, a fine copy overall.
An exceptionally fine and large-paper copy of the first edition of
Caulin’s seminal work; the first general history and a fundamental
source of information of Venezuela and its Provinces. Caulin (17191802) was a Franciscan Missionary, at a young age he travelled to
Venezuela, where he dedicated his efforts to evangelizing the Caribes
and Tomuza tribes -amongst others-, living with them, learning their
languages and costumes. He participated in the expedition led by Jose
de Iturriaga sent to settle the limits between the Portuguese
and Spanish colonies around the Orinoco River, including
Brazil. The considerable time spent in the region and positions he was appointed to, endorse him as a reliable source,
“his descriptions are the most truthful which are extant”
(Maggs, Bibliotheca Americana, 4730, 1926). Furthermore,
his participation with Iturriaga’s expedition provided him a
considerable working knowledge of the territory, its geography and hydrographical reality.
The work begins by situating the reader in the geographical and
ethnic context; bear in mind information on Venezuela was
scarce; follows with his achievements, the evangelizing of the
tribes’ —both historical and contemporary to his missionary
[ 26 ]
activity—, the missions, foundations and expeditions of colleagues to
the jungle and finishes with an exhortation to Priests to predicate
amongst the Indians. It is filled with details on the natives, their habits,
natural history, missionary activities, precious stones, and the history of
the colony and discovery up to the time of publishing. Caulin’s work is
illustrated with an engraved frontispiece, three full-page plates mainly
picturing natives and a large folding map; the map is a very fine one,
executed by Louis Surville by order of Jose de Galvez, according to our
research, only included in this work.
This copy is one of the few in large paper, remarkably appealing, “There
are copies of the edition of 1779 on large paper.” (Sabin).
palau, 50407. sabin, 11570. jcb (i), p. 144. medina, biblioteca hispano-americana, 4893.
[ 27 ]
11. From the library of the Ducs de Luynes
[cayenne] barrere, pierre. Nouvelle relation de la France équinoxale,
contenant la description des côtes de la Guiane; de l’isle de Cayenne;
le commerce de cette colonie; les divers changemens arrivés dans ce
pays; et les moeurs et coûtumes des différens peuples sauvages qui
l’habitent. 1743. Paris. Chez Piget. In 12mo (160 mm x 90 mm). 1
[blank] + 2 ff. + iv + 250 + 1 ff. + 1 [blank]. Contemporary calf, boards
with Dukes de Luynes arms in gilt, spine flat, tooled in gilt, red
morocco lettering piece, hinges starting to head of spine. A fine copy,
clean and fresh except for a few scattered foxing spots.
First edition. A finely illustrated work on Cayenne, a city in French
Guyane, north of Brazil, east of Surinam; it was one of the last places
to be colonized, considered too poor and hot, until
the French settled in the region in 1604. The
Portuguese, irritated and determined to enforce the
Treaty of Tordesillas, destroyed the settlement, again
abandoning the region until the French returned in
1643, only to be thrown out this time by local
natives. In 1664 the settlement was finally permanent, although Dutch (1658-64 & 1676) and English
(1667) attacks caused it to change hands every now
and then. This is possibly one of the best works on
Cayenne, and definitely one of the most important
from an iconographic point of view.
It includes 19 —mostly folding— maps and plates
of Indian artefacts, costumes, ethnology, and other
subjects relating to the daily life, hunting and fishing methods, agriculture, architecture, and cartogra[ 28 ]
phy. Barrere (1690-1755) was a botanist and doctor, appointed by he
King of France and sent to Cayenne in 1722 for a period of three years,
in this time he familiarized himself with the natives, flora, fauna, the
settlement, natural history, ways of the locals and the adaptation of
French colonials. It also contains important details on the cultivation
of coffee, cassava and sugar. The work was published several years after
Barrere’s return, shortly in fast demand for it was widely considered
the best work on Guyane. An important provenance: from the recently dispersed library of the ducs de Luynes, Château de Dampierre.
sabin, 3604. leclerc, 119. european americana, 743/19.
[ 29 ]
12. Including a dictionary of the Galibi language
[cayenne] biet, antoine. Voyage de la France equinoxiale en l’isle de
Cayenne. 1664. Paris. Francois Clousier. In 4to (230 mm x 170 mm).
1 [blank] + 12 ff. + 432 + 1 [blank]. Excellent copy in contemporary
calf, raised bands to spine, lettered and tooled in gilt, gently worn.
Scattered foxing and light browning, else fine.
First edition. In 1652 Father Biet sailed on an expedition towards
Cayenne to visit the French settlement under the command of
Royville, as part of the Spiritual mission lead by the Abbe de L’ IsleMarivault. The later never reached his destination, leaving Biet as
head of the Spiritual mission. During his time abroad Biet made trips
to Barbados, Martinique and Guadalupe. The work is divided into
three parts: the first deals with the journey to Cayenne and the French
settling of the colony; the second with the 15 months of the duration
of the expedition, the richest in details on the experiences of the settlers; and the third with the natural history, fertility of the land, and
ethnological aspects of the natives, their costumes, language and manners. On pp. 339 - 432 there is a dictionary of the Galibi language. The
work is hard to find, and much sought after as a fundamental source
of information, virtually unparalleled by contemporaneous reports.
leclerc, 165. sabin, 5269. chadenat, 18. jcb, 664/15.
[ 30 ]
[ 31 ]
[ 32 ]
13. Exceedingly rare work on the discoveries of the Portuguese,
not found in any of the usual bibliographies
centellas, joachin de. Les voyages et conquests des Roys de Portugal es
Indes D’Orient, Ethiopie, Mauritanie d’Afrique & Europe. 1578.
Paris. Iean d’Ongoys. In 12mo (152 mm x 90 mm). 3 ff. + 4-60. Later
red grained morocco, boards with gilt fillets, spine lettered and tooled
in gilt. Text block a little loose, overall uniform browning, else fine.
First edition. A very rare work, describes the voyages and conquests of
the Portuguese in the East and West Indies. It contains relevant information & details on the navigation and discovery of America and the
“discouragement from the Portuguese and English sovereigns with
which Columbus had to contend” (Maggs, 4033); also relevant notes
on Vasco de Gama, the famed Portuguese explorer. No copy traced at
auction since 1949 (AE), only two copies located at Worldcat, no
copies in the U.S.
not in sabin. not in borba de moraes. not in palau. oclc 491813599.
biblioteca britannica, or general index to british and foreign
literature, 1824, 208.
[ 33 ]
14. The impossibly rare Remedios, the classic
herbal and medicine treatise of the Philippines,
printed in Manila on rice paper
clain, pablo. Remedios fáciles para diferentes enfermedades. 1712.
Manila. Juan Correa, Colegio y universidad de Santo Tomás de
Aquino. In 8vo (194 mm x 136 mm). 11 ff. + 298. Slightly later half calf
over boards, some edge rubbing. Printed on rice paper, age-toning and
scattered foxing, some damp, overall fine.
First edition. A rare herbal and an exhaustive treatise about the medicine
employed by Jesuit Missionaries in the Philippine Archipelago.
Impossibly rare, there is one institutional copy known in Spain (BNE)
and one in France (BNF), there are no auction records and we have been
unable to trace any other copy having been ever offered. A second edition
was printed in 1857 (Manila, Colegio de PP. Dominicos de Sto. Tomas).
The work contains details on the virtues and properties attributed to
the local flora: healing, toxic, aphrodisiac and spiritual powers, ways
to prepare medicaments, etc. It also includes an index of the names
given to the plants in the native languages. It is regarded as the classic
on this subject: “Klein re-organizo la farmacia del colegio y publico
Remedios… que se convirtió en un tratado clásico hasta su segunda edición de 1857” (Diccionario histórico de la Compañía de Jesús). Clain’s
work first circulated in manuscript copies —disseminated for its practical use— in a land where only a few doctors could be found. “Para
los medicamentos señala instrucciones precisas para la forma de
preparación y conservación de los mismos. Y al final del texto incluye un
índice alfabético de los nombres locales de las plantas medicinales. Antes
de publicarse este tratado médico, fue sometido al juicio y censura de una
comisión formada por el Gobernador y Capitán General de las Islas, el
Cirujano Real de Manila, quienes certificaron que el libro estaba escrito
conforme a los tratados de remedios ordinarios utilizados en medicina”
[ 34 ]
[Sánchez Téllez, Carmen, La Medicina misionera en HispanoAmérica y Filipinas durante la época colonial, p. 38].
Clain (Egra 1652 - Manila 1717), also known as Klein, was a Jesuit missionary; he studied in Prague before joining the Society of Jesus and
in 1678 made sail towards Mexico, where he stayed for a short while
before making his way to the Philippines. Clain taught moral theology from 1687-1696 at the school in Manila, performing well and
appointed Head of the School of San Jose de Manila after having been
head of the School of Cavite. Within the Order he became Provincia.
medina, manila, 139. retana, 77. palau, 55042 (“libro rarísimo”).
leclerc, 2007. oclc 457744688.
[ 35 ]
15. 1685: preparing coffee, a rare Spanish essay on the beverage
[coffee] juanini, juan bautista. Carta que escrivio un medico
Christiano que estava curando en Antiberi, a un Cardenal de Roma,
sobre la bebida del Cahue o Cafe. 1685. Madrid. In folio (320 mm x
220 mm). 2 ff. Loose in later red cloth binding. Uncut, a little foxed,
else a fresh and clean example.
First edition of this considerably rare, early, and interesting imprint
written by Juanini and addressed to a Cardinal in Rome, on the history
of coffee, both as a beverage and medicine. The essay makes references
to the earliest description of the coffee plant by Prosper Alpini, in his
De medicina Aegyptiorum (Venice, 1591) and of its knowledge by the
Turcs, Arabs and Persians. It concludes with instructions for its preparation, duration, ways and manners of drinking, recommendations,
and even of mixing it with toasts and chocolate.
Juanini (1636-1691) was a Spanish scientist and doctor; author of the
“Discurso politico y phisico que muestra los movimientos y efectos que produce la fermentacion y materias nitrosas en los cuerpos sublunares” (1679)
and several other essays, this one appears to be the rarest and the only
one about coffee.
hunersdorf, coffee: a bibliography, london, pp. 776. not in palau.
not in spanish public institutions. not in worldcat.
[ 36 ]
[ 37 ]
[ 38 ]
16. News from the Philippines, mainly from
Mindanao and Jolo Islands, of the piracy, defenses
and reality of the Islands
[anonymous]. Continuacion de los felices sucessos que nuestro Señor ha
dado a las armas Españolas en las Islas Filipinas. 1639. Madrid.
Catalina del Barrio. In folio (300 mm x 200 mm). [6]. Unbound. A
clean and fresh example, with minor toning, unidentified stamps to
title and colophon leaves.
Second edition; printed for the first time in Manila, 1638. The wealth
of information included in this short tract, although brief, is remarkable, with news mainly on the Mindanao and Jolo islands, their
inhabitants (making mention of the privateering activities held by the
Jolo islands natives), defences, nature and distances to other islands,
an Embassy from Corralat (a present was brought, considered to be
small and denied) and another from Cachil Monacay and belligerent
actions taken against the region. It certainly constitutes one of the earliest available sources of information on the region.
Exceedingly rare, not a single copy sold at auction (according to AE);
according to CCPBE there is no copy in Spain and according to
Tavera only a copy in the British Library could be found. Provenance:
offered in 1922 by Maggs, lot 220.
tavera, 691. palau, 60671.
[ 39 ]
17. First edition of Hutten’s letters to Charles V
on his exploration of Venezuela
cortes, hernan; hutten, philipp von. Ferdinandi Cortesii Von dem
Newen Hispanien, so im Meer Gegen Nidergang… Erstlich in
Hispanischer, Sprach von Cortesio Selbst Beschriben Nachmals von
Doctor Peter Sauorgnan Auss Friani Lateinische Sprach Transferiert
Entlich Aber in Hochteütsche Sprach. 1550. Augsburg. Philipp Ulhart.
In folio (290 mm x 190 mm). 3 ff. + xxxix + 1 [blank] + 2 ff. + LX.
Recent antique style brownish morocco, heavily tooled with interlacing fillets and corner-pieces, raised bands to spine, lettered in blind. A
handsome, wide-margined, very clean copy.
First edition in German of Cortes’ (1485-1547) second and third letters, including portions of Martyr’s 4th decade and for the first time
the important letters regarding Venezuela’s exploration from Philipp
von Hutten and addressed to Charles V. The letters describing
Venezuela dated 1538 and 1540 (Coro) are here published for the first
time; they constitute some of the earliest narratives of a German
explorer from America and provide rich and first-hand details on the
experiences and encounters with the native population in the so-far
relatively unexplored region.
Von Hutten (1505-1546) was a German adventurer and soldier who
served in the court of the Graf of Nassau –adviser to Emperor Charles
V; around 1527-28, Charles V, in need of money, granted German
banker Bartholomeus Welser a concession “asiento” [Spanish contract
with conquistadores] over the Province of Venezuela, which he was to
explore and conquer at his own expense and with troops of Spanish
and Flemish origin. Welser took the concession seriously and organized several expeditions, first appointing Ehinger and then von Speyer
as Captain Generals. Von Hutten joined Speyer’s crew and sailed
[ 40 ]
[ 41 ]
[ 42 ]
towards Venezuela arriving in Coro in 1535; soon after, the explorers
immersed themselves in the jungle to search for the city of El Dorado
and to capture slaves. In 1540, following Speyer’s death, Hutten
became Captain General. By 1546, weakened, wounded and tired, Von
Hutten returned to Coro with what was left of the original army, only
to find his position had been taken over by Juan de Carvajal, appointed by Audiencia de Santo Domingo. The newly appointed Spanish
officer tried to seize the Germans in fear of them weakening their
position, resulting in him being wounded by a Welser family member.
Carvajal promised them safe passage to the coast, but kept not true to
his word; in April 1546 he captured, chained and beheaded Hutten
and Welser. There is very little information of the first years of
Venezuelan exploration, this being the first publication of Hutten’s
letters; they contain a wealth of information on the herbs utilized to
cure arrow wounds, the natives and hardships suffered. Von Hutten’s
name is now permanently associated with the quest for the Golden
City of America, along with Francisco de Orellana. The letters are not
signed are there is no reference to Hutten, the editors received the
manuscript in Augsburg with the approval Charles V’s brother. In
1785, the account of his exploration was published, but from a different source, and this letters were identified just in the 19th century.
This is also the first time Fernandez de Oviedo’s letter to Cardinal
Pietro Bembo dated January 1543 from Santo Domingo is published,
reprinted in 1556 by Ramusio in the third volume of his collection of
voyages Navigatione et Viaggi. The letter describes Pizarro’s expedition
in search of the land of Cinammon, the encounter with Orellana and
the description of the Amazons.
Considered the additional information contained, this edition might
well be regarded as a different work entirely, rather than a German
edition of Cortes’ letters.
sabin, 16957. palau 63197. alden, 550/11. harrisse (bav) 197. medina,
(bha) 86.
[ 43 ]
18. The first cirumnavigation eastwards
cubero, sebastian pedro. Breve relacion de la peregrinacion que ha
hecho de la mayor parte del mundo. 1680. Madrid. Juan Garcia
Infaçon. In 4to (195 mm x 128 mm). 10 ff. + 360. Fine blue morocco by
Brugalla, supralibros to boards in blind, spine lettered in gilt, edges
and turn-ins gilt. Mainly marginal restoration to title page, with a
small portion restored in facsimile, some headlines shaved, light foxing
towards the end, else a very good copy; manuscript note on title page.
First edition. Cubero’s was the first circumnavigation performed eastwards, that is, first making his way from Europe to Asia, then America
—through Mexico and Cuba— and finally back to Europe. Cubero (ca.
1645 - ca. 1697) was a Spanish Priest and missionary, he studied humanities, philosophy and theology; in 1671 the Congregation of Propagande
Fide sent him as an Apostolic Preacher to Asia and the East Indies, mission during which he would travel largely across Russia (Moscow),
Turkey (Istanbul), Armenia, Persia, etc., making his way to Goa and
Madras. In Malacca he would be detained by the Dutch for a short period of time, after which he journeyed once more, this time towards the
Philippines, then making the famous route between Manila and
Mexico. He set sail across the Caribbean —visiting Cuba— and reached
Spain in 1680. Cubero made most of his route by land, thus being constantly in touch with the costumes, religions and ceremonies of the people he visited, describing them in considerable detail. Rare in the market, two copies appeared at auction in the last 50 years.
Provenance: ownership inscription of Pere de Ribes-Vallgomera de
Boixadors, Marques de Alferras; ennobled by Philip V in 1702.
palau, 65756. sabin, 17819. not in salva (only the second edition).
maggs cat. 495, 303.
[ 44 ]
[ 45 ]
19. A unique copy, the most expensive enterprise to prevent
the flooding of the Valley of Mexico; bound with a Mexican
illuminated manuscript on agriculture
cuevas aguirre y espinosa, josé francisco. Extracto de los autos de
diligencias y reconocimientos de los rios, lagunas, vertientes y desagues de la capital Mexico y su valle, de los caminos para su comunicacion y su comercio de los daños que se vieron remedios, que se arbitraron. 1748. Mexico. Viuda de D. Joseph Bernardo de Hogal. 2 + 71
+ folding map.
[bound with]
Ordenanzas y preceptos para medir citios, de Ganados mayores y
menores, y Otras Tierras según Ordenanzas Reales dispuestas por el
Real Acuerdo las mismas que se hallan en el Oficio de Secuestros. – Y
assimismo Ynstrucción de lo que se Componen las Haziendas, de
Abalùos, y otras curiosidades anexas a ello. Como dentro se percibe
escriptas por Don Antonio Miguel de Sotomayor, Mtro examinado en
el Nouissimo Arte Mayor. De leer, escribir y Contar Oficial, que fue
en Uno de los Oficios, de la Gobernación, y Grra, de esta nueba
España, Vezino, de la Ciudad de México. 1761. N.p. [Mexico]. 14 ff.
—two folding.
In folio (298 mm x 200 mm). Contemporary Mexican calf, silk ties,
spine tooled in gilt discretely, some rubbing. Excellent condition overall, entirely genuine condition.
First work: first edition. The flooding of the Valley of Mexico and the
destruction caused by it has been a problem since the pre-colonial era,
it was a problem for the Aztecs, and by the 18th century it was the turn
of the Spanish colonial administration —the situation aggravated by
Cortes’ destruction of the dikes built by natives. Several attempts were
made and plans drafted to control the situation, mostly without success. Cuevas, a geographer and Procurator to the City of Mexico,
[ 46 ]
[ 47 ]
makes a summary of the plans, drafts, surveys and relevant information, in an attempt to give a definitive solution to the problem. It is
illustrated with a large (ca. 500 mm x 400 mm) copperplate-folding
map by Carlos de Siguenza y Gongora entitled “Mapa de las Aguas que
por el Circulo de 90. leguas vienen a la Laguna de Tescuco y de la
Estensión que esta y la de Chalco tenían sacado del que en el siglo
antecedente delineó Dn. Carlos de Sigüenza” made by Antonio Moreno;
the map is sometimes found printed in red, this copy in black and
white. Siguenza (1645-1700) was a historian, mathematician,
astronomer, antiquarian and academic at the University of Mexico,
and Royal Cosmographer to New Spain.
In all, the Extracto gives a thorough compilation of what was the single largest and most costly series of public works undertaken in the
American colonial period.
Second work: a remarkable Mexican illuminated manuscript composed of two parts. The first is a copy of the Ordenanzas, given and
promulgated by the Real Audiencia of Mexico, confirmed by Antonio
de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain from 1535-1550 and augmented in
1577 by Viceroy Gaston de Peralta. The second part is the instruction
authored by Antonio Miguel de Sotomayor dealing with the management of the “sitios” (for cows, horses, sheep and goats). The “sitios”
were institutions created and thought as self-sufficient farms that
would grow cereal and keep livestock; originated from land concessions granted by the Spanish Crown, aiming to promote and develop
the agriculture and cattle raising; they were fundamental for the economic development of colonial Mexico. Throughout the Spanish
colonial era, these “farms” became the base of the agriculture and animal husbandry in Mexico and southern United States. Further, the
sitios were instrumental in introducing new species to America. The
text is rich in details regarding how the sitios should by organized,
how to cultivate the land, prices of the crops and livestock, employees
to be taken over and salaries.
[ 48 ]
The illumination is of singular interest, from the Spanish arrival in
America, an artistic interaction occurred; European aesthetic ideals
were provided by the Spanish, whilst the natives interpreted and
adapted to their views. This is a fine example of this junction of artistic skills and points of view, European Cherubs and animals in naïve
renderings.
Provenance: manuscript ex libris “soy de José María Gonzalez Calderón”;
M. Porrua.
medina, mexico, 3887. palau, 66220.
[ 49 ]
[ 50 ]
20. Early Lima imprint, not in Sabin or Medina,
apparently only copy extant
davila, francisco. Memorial y Informacion sobre las Bobedas debaxo su
Cementerio. 1635. Lima. Geronymo de Contreras. In folio (295 mm x
200 mm). 12 ff. Light damp staining throughout, excellent condition
overall.
First edition. Impossibly rare memorial, unknown to Sabin, Vargas
Ugarte and Medina; we are unable to find any other copy. “The
Cathedral of Lima had erected some booths and let them as shops in its
cemetery, but had been prevented by the City authorities. The above gives
a history of the dispute and is a defence of the ecclesiastical authorities”
(Maggs, 200, 1922, this copy). Davila (c. 1573-1647) was Canon of the
Cathedral of Lima and also author of the “Tratado de los Euangelios
que nuestra Madre la Iglesia propone en todo el año…: explicase el
Euangelio y se pone vn sermon en cada vno en las lenguas castellana y general de los indios deste Reyno del Peru. Por D. Francisco Davila” (Lima,
1648, published posthumously). According to Medina (Lima, 289)
Davila, a natural of Cuzco, dedicated a considerable portion of his life
to the predication and conversion of the Indians, from 1596 to 1646.
the imprint is not to be found in worldcat or spanish institutions.
it would appear to be the only extant copy. not in sabin. not
in palau. not in medina, la imprenta en lima.
[ 51 ]
21. A sourcebook for the history of New Mexico
davila, padilla, agustín. Historia de la Fundacion y discurso de la
provincia de Santiago de Mexico de la Orden de Predicadores por las
vidas de sus varones insignes y casos notables de Nueva España. 1625.
Brussels. Juan de Meerbeque. In folio (305 mm x 194 mm). 4 ff. + 654
+ 3 ff. Contemporary limp vellum, front board lightened and a little
stained, bookplate of William Mayer on front pasteboard, ties missing, upper joint cracked, spine lettered in ink. Title with seal erased,
light browning to text as often, final leaf with mainly marginal loss
of paper causing text loss repaired in manuscript facsimile, ff. 1 remargined; overall entirely genuine, unrestored copy of a great rarity,
of wide margins and generally fresh and clean.
Second edition. The first edition was published in Madrid in 1596, it
is rarely found, and a third edition appeared in 1634 under a new title
“Varia historia de la Nueva España y Florida”. Davila’s is a main source
of information of New Mexico from 1526 to 1592, and the basis for
future works on the region; it is rich in new information and is mainly
drawn out of Dominican missionary’s experiences working in Mexico,
namely amongst Indians, with notes on their activities, beliefs and
mysticism, their conversion to Catholicism; thus, it’s contents are not
to be found in previous relations. Amongst others, the lives of
Domingo de Betanzos (founder of the Province and its first
Provincial), Domingo de la Cruz, Domingo de Santa Maria, Julian
Garces (first Bishop of Tlaxcala), Cristobal de la Cruz, Pedro de
Pravia, and Luis Cancer (missionary in Mexico and Florida, where he
was martyred by natives). “An invaluable work for the history of the
earliest missions to the New World. All editions of this important
work are of extreme rarity. It contains some of the most valuable
[ 52 ]
materials in existence for the history of the Spanish Conquest and
settlements in America; as well as of the manners, language, and religions of the aborigines.” (Maggs).
Davila Padilla (1562-1604) was born in Mexico, studied at the University
of Mexico, where he achieved a degree of Master of Arts when 16 before
going into the Dominican Order. He is one of the foremost chroniclers
of Mexico and one of the first to be born, raised and educated there.
During a visit to Spain Davila met Philip II, who appointed him
Chronicler of the Indies. He was also an Inquisitor in Mexico.
medina, hispano-americana, 784. palau, 68981. sabin, 18780. european
americana, 1625/62.
[ 53 ]
22. Striking colonial manuscript chart of Maracaibo,
signed by Emasabel
emasabel, francisco xavier, don. Plano de la Barra de Maracaybo,
situacion de las Fortalezas, Baxos, y de mas correspondiente de la
Laguna hasta la Ciudad. c. 1770. [Maracaibo]. Manuscript chart executed in pen, ink and coloured washes. Backed on linen, old folds
now strengthened, captioning, index and title clearly legible and the
colouring still very fresh, a few pieces missing at folds, but overall fine.
It is, nonetheless, a handsome map. 498 mm x 395 mm.
A rare 18th century chart of northern Venezuela focused on the
Maracaibo Lake. The cartographer signs the map as “Delineado por D.
Fran.co Xavier de Emasabel. Piloto de Altura año de 1770.” The map
depicts the bay of Maracaibo in northwest Venezuela just to the north
of Lake Maracaibo. It notes the cities of Maracaibo, and Altagracia.
The cartouche includes an extensive numbered key to the most significant geographical points in the region (26 numbers). The key allows
us a glimpse of what Maracaibo looked like, and its presumable -for
the considerable detail and information it presents-, that the author
was allowed and made use of the most up-to-date sources of information and geographical exploration of the region.
We have been unable to find much information on Emasabel, however, at the Woodbury Lowery collection (Library of Congress,
Geography and Map Division) there is a map, also by him, entitled
“Carta Ydrografica que contiene desde el cabo de Nazao y Rio Elquibo en
la costa de Surinam hasta el cabo de Carlos en Virginia. Yncluiendo en
ella las Yslas de Barlovento, de sotavento, las Lucayas y demas aderentes,
a todas las costas, sus trabesias y Yslas de Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, la
de Cuba y Jamayca” and it is signed by Francisco Xavier de Emasabel,
declaring himself “Piloto maior del Comercio de Cadiz”. In the
[ 54 ]
“Extractos de las juntas generales celebradas por la Real Sociedad
Bascongada de los Amigos del Pais en la villa de Bilbao por Julio de 1787”
there is reference to a Francisco Emasabel “Capitan del puerto de Deva
ofreció tres mapas marítimas que trabajó á instancia de los Pilotos del
comercio de Cádiz”. Surviving colonial manuscript charts of South
America are only seldom found in the market.
[ 55 ]
[ 56 ]
23. A clandestine imprint of Sampaloc:
the first study on the Zebuana language
[encina, francisco]. [Arte de la lengua Zebuana]. N.d. [c. 1801-04].
[Sampaloc, Franciscan Convent]. In 4to (190 mm x 134 mm). 616,
[15]. Modern red morocco, gilt edges, gently rubbed. Printed on rice
paper; some browning, a few closed tears (without loss except for one
or two letters on 30*2), repaired tears in four leaves (B1, D1, Q1 and
334, without loss), a very well preserved copy.
First edition, very rare. This extensive work is the first study of the
language of the island of Cebu, one of the largest of the Bisayan
islands of the central Philippines. It was printed in secret, without a
title-page and probably in limited numbers, after a manuscript by
Francisco Encina (1715-1760), an Augustinian who had served in the
parishes of Argao and Opon in Cebu. Towards the end is a chapter
(‘De la poesia Zebuana’) which discusses the prosody
and figures of Cebuano verse forms. Palau and Retana
differ on the date of publication, the former giving 1804
and the latter 1801. A manuscript note on the flyleaf of
the Harvard copy indicates that the type used for this
work is the same as that used for Martínez de Zuñiga’s
Historia de las Islas Philipinas (Sampaloc, 1803).
medina, manila 396; palau 79565; retana 4133; streit vi 1309. oclc records six copies (british library,
john carter brown, harvard, national library of
china, university of new mexico and yale).
[ 57 ]
24. The rare first French edition, of what s arguably the most
influential buccaneering account; from the Hamsworth library
[esquemeling; oexmelin] exquemelin, alexander olivier. Histoire
des Avanturiers qui se sont signalez dans les Indes contenant ce qu ils
on fait de plus remarquable depuis vignt années. 1686. Paris. Jacques
Lefebvre. Two volumes in 12mo (164 mm x 87 mm). 1 [blank] + 15 ff.
+ 342 + 12 ff. + 1 [blank]; 1 [blank] + 3 ff. + 384 + 12 ff. Contemporary
calf, spine with raised bands, tooled and lettered in gilt, worn but still
an attractive binding in its original condition. A fine copy, gently
browned as often and with a few foxing spots, second title water
stained, short tears to folding plates.
First French edition. Besides its rarity, this edition is also important
for its illustrations, which don t derive from either the Dutch original
or two earlier English editions. The translation was prepared by
Frontigniéres, from Exquemelin s own manuscript; the first edition in
all was published in Dutch in 1678 under the title De Americaensche
Zee-Roovers. The success was immediate, translations followed and
editions continued until the 18th century. Exquemelin (1645-1707) was
a French Huguenot, in 1666 made sale towards the Antilles, his ship
was allegedly attacked by pirates and after reaching Tortuga he was
apparently sold to a local and subsequently sold to a surgeon of some
sort; the later would teach him his office and eventually grant him his
freedom against payment. At an uncertain date, Exquemelin became
a privateer; as a pirate, he participated in the raid of Maracaibo in
1669 and that of Panama in 1670 under Morgan. His experiences and
observations were concentrated in his memoires. The detail with
which Exquemelin describes the lootings, plundering, life and adventures of these seamen is terrific, and was unequaled for a long time.
The illustrations include seven folding maps and views; the
[ 58 ]
Maracaibo and Panama maps closely follow the Dutch, a large folding
map of the Spanish Main is entirely new to this edition. The editor,
Journel, augmented the text; he is also responsible for shading light
onto the term “buccaneer”. Provenance: Hamsworth bookplate (lot
6479, Sotheby s, December 1949, 2/10/- GBP).
sabin, 23475.
[ 59 ]
25. The Strait of Anian legend,
a rare Spanish treatise on Navigation
ferrer maldonado, lorenzo. Imagen del Mundo sobre la esfera, cosmografia, y geografia, teorica de Planetas, y arte de navegar. 1626.
Alcala. Juan Garcia. In 8vo (193 mm x 135 mm). 4 ff. + 276 + 2 ff. Old
vellum, recased, endpapers renewed, spine lettered in ink. Title page
with marginal restorations away from text, usual toning; overall fine.
First edition. Ferrer Maldonado was a Spanish writer, skilled navigator
and explorer. Little is known about his life, except that he became a
sailor at a young age. Ferrer became known through a memorial given
to the King of Spain. In 1609 submitted a relation to Philip III claiming to have participated in a voyage to the Northwest Passage in 1588
where he had discovered a northern pass; most specifically, that the
Strait of Anian linked the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans —the Strait’s
alleged existence had been represented cartographically earlier in the
16th century— and thus the controversy began. This memorial to the
King had at its core the purpose of giving impulse to exploring the
region, and it eventually resulted in the stimulus necessary for the
exploration of the Pacific. This is the first printed work to assert his
allegation.
“Maldonado urged in strong terms the necessity of Spain’s fortifying
the Strait of Anian before the English reached it, and he dwelt glowingly upon economic and other advantages to the nation of controlling this short trade route to the Far East. Maldonado was evidently
familiar with English voyages of the period, especially those of John
Davis, and probably he knew of Michael Lok’s support of Juan de
Fuca, who claimed to have discovered the Strait of Anian in 1592.
Despite the ingenuity and persuasiveness of his argument, he was
unable to obtain official interest in his supposed discoveries or
[ 60 ]
[ 61 ]
[ 62 ]
support of his plans.” (Alan Cooke, “ferrer maldonado, lorenzo,”
in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 1, University of
Toronto/Université Laval, 2003)
As it turns out, what he described resembled greatly the Bering Strait,
and thus it was believed to be true by many. His 1609 relation, not
easily discarded, was subject to works by Bauche, Fernandez de
Navarrete and Novo y Colson later in the 18th and 19th centuries. As
per Spanish enterprises go, this memorial is a predecessor of
Malaspina’s expedition aboard the Descubierta. In 1798, Bauche and
Zevallos published a “Disertaciones sobre la navegacion a las Indias
Orientales por el Norte de la Europa”, dealing with the “supposed discoveries of Ferrer Maldonado” (Sabin). In 1881, Pedro de Novo y
Colson dedicated a work to his theories and those of Juan de Fuca
“Sobre los viajes apocrifos de Juan de Fuca y de Lorenzo Ferrer
Maldonado, Ultima teoria sobre la Atlantida”. “A very rare book by the
famous Spanish navigator, whose pretended voyage in the Arctic
regions in 1588, has excited so much controversy” (Sabin).
As Ferrer’s only book, it comprises the full array of nautical, cosmographical and geographic knowledge accumulated during his lifetime.
At one point, he offered to divulge how to find longitude at sea, for a
5,000 Ducats fee: “Señor. El Capitan Lorenço Ferrer Maldonado, dize,
q ha mas de ocho años que con curioso desseo de saber cosas de importacia.
estudio prolijamente el arte de fixar las agujas de nauegar, de tal suerte
que permaneciessen rectamente sobre la linea Meridiana por todos los
Paralelos y Meridianos del mundo”.
Rare, last copy offered at auction was Sotheby’s, 2009, L09774, the
next in line was 1962.
sabin, 44108. medina, bha, 812. palau, 90524. jcb ii, pp. 199-200.
[ 63 ]
26. Three magnificent atlases on Iceland
gaimard, paul. Voyage en Islande et au Groenland, execute pendant les
annees 1835 et 1836 sur la corvette La Recherche. 1842. Paris. Arthus
Bertrand. Three volumes in large folio. 1 ff. + 3 ff. + 77 plates; 3 ff. +
74 plates; zoology 1 ff. + 50 plates —35 colored. Contemporary half
green chagrin over boards, raised bands to spine, lettered and tooled
in gilt, rubbed and scuffed. Some foxing to titles and a few plates, the
colored ones are remarkably well done, overall a fresh and clean copy.
First edition. The three atlases of Gaimard’s definitive work on
Iceland and the Artic Sea; recording the voyage undertaken aboard the
corvette Recherche, sent to the Arctic Sea to recover geographer Jules
de Blosseville, lost in 1833 between the waters of Greenland and
Iceland during the expedition aboard the Lilloise. These magnificent
atlases include 200 large lithographed plates by Mayer, Lassalle and
Oudart, made on China paper; they show portraits, the towns, cities,
ethnography, effects of leprosy, fauna and flora of the places visited.
The zoology volume plates are mostly hand colored.
Gaimard (1793-1858) was a naval surgeon and experienced explorer; he
served on board the Uranie under Freycinet and Dumont D’Urville
aboard the Astrolabe (1826-1829). The main goal of the expedition was
not reached, as Blosseville was never found, however Gaimard’s explorations throughout Iceland brought significant scientific discoveries, as well as a lavishly printed official account. In order to be complete, the work
comprises 8 volumes of text. At the time it was
published, the work was one of the most extensive
ever made dedicated to Iceland.
chadenat, 5061. sabin 26330.
[ 64 ]
[ 65 ]
27. Hand colored plates of African costumes
[galerie royale de costumes]. Costumes Africaines. African costumes.
1842-1848. Paris. Aubert. In folio (510 mm x 350 mm). 13 lithographs
hand colored and heightened with gum arabic. Later but 19th century
quarter morocco and brown pebbled cloth, title stamped in gilt on
upper cover, gently rubbed. Scattered foxing affecting images and
margins; every plate hand colored.
A selection of plates representing African costumes, taken from the
virtually impossible-to-find complete Galerie Royale de Costumes, a
monumental enterprise which included over 250 lithographs of the
different nations of the World in local costumes. Normally, collectors
would buy those that were of interest and have them bound together,
to the extent that some collections of plates are considered complete
as they are; such the cases of the plates from Mexico, Peru, Argentina,
etc. The artists employed, or after whom the lithographs were taken,
counted as some of the best of their time.
This selection of plates shows mostly African soldiers
and civil servants, and a few plates dedicated to
women in splendid attires.
[ 66 ]
[ 67 ]
[ 68 ]
28. Famous landmark of Brazilian literature,
a fine copy
gama, jose basilio da [sipilo, termindo]. O Uraguay Poema. Lisbon.
1769. Regia Officina Typografica. In 8vo (162 mm x 102 mm). 1
[blank] + 3 ff. + 102 + 1 ff. + 1 [blank]. Splendid contemporary red
morocco gilt, spine flat, boards with intense tooling within double gilt
fillets, centre and corner pieces, a bit soiled, just with minor traces of
rubbing. A fine copy, in entirely genuine condition, wide margins,
lightly foxed.
First edition. O Uraguay is a considerable achievement of Brazilian literature. It is of political nature, arguing in favour of Pombal’s actions
against the Jesuits following the 1750 Madrid Treaty between the
Spanish and Portuguese Crowns, which transferred the Jesuit
Reductions of Paraguay to Brazil; it “was a political poem defending
Pombal’s action against the Jesuit reductions. After the Minister
fell from power all available copies were suppressed” (Borba de
Moraes). Its rarity may be explained by —despite it having been
printed in 1036 copies— the fact that it was ordered supressed.
“Talvez, com o Caramuru, o mais famoso poema epico da literatura colonial brasileira… uma das mais procuradas pelos bibliofilos entre toda a literatura colonial.” (Correa do Lago).
Basilio da Gama (1740-1795) was a Brazilian-born poet and
Jesuit. Following his father’s death, he was sent to Rio de
Janeiro to study with the Society of Jesus. After the Jesuit’s
expulsion from Brazil, he went to Europe, were he adopted
the pseudonym Termindo Sipilio, under which he writes the
present novel.
borba de moraes, 338. sabin, 26487. innocencio iv, 269,
2818. correa do lago, pedro. brasiliana itau, pp. 359.
[ 69 ]
[ 70 ]
29. The first edition of the first work
on the languaje of the Moxos, and the only one
for 200 years; printed in Lima
marban, pedro. Arte de la Lengua Moxa, con su Vocabulario, y Cathecismo
[bound with] Cathecismo menor en Lengua Española, y Moxa. N.d.
[1702]. Lima. Joseph de Contreras. In 12mo (147 m x 92 mm). 16 + 664; 202
+ 1. Slightly later Spanish or South American mottled calf, gilt-stamped
spine, red gilt morocco label, gently worn. Ownership signature on verso of
title page, internally bright and clean copy, last folio slightly soiled.
First edition. Marban’s is a very rare and singularly important vocabulary of the Moxos language, the first of its kind and the only one for
almost two centuries. The catechism, present herein, is usually lacking. The Arte is notable both as an important linguistic piece and an
early South American imprint. “The language of the nation of the
province of ‘los Moxos,’ in Bolivia, South America. Their language is
related to the Maipure. This is the only work on the subject” (Sabin).
“Hasta hace poco este era el unico libro impreso referente a la lengua de
los Moxos” (Medina). The book is undated, Sabin records the date as
1701, while Medina believes it to be 1702; quite possibly, Medina is
more accurate. A manuscript note on the front free endpaper of the
present copy indicates it was purchased by the noted London firm,
Bernard Quaritch, Ltd., in 1918, while a stamp on the front pastedown
gives evidence it was later sold by the American Antiquarian Society.
“Como hermano en la Compañía llego a Sevilla en 1671 desde el Colegio
de esa ciudad, a fin de embarcarse para Indias en la misión que conducía
a Chile el P. Lorenzo Arizabalo. Destinosele luego de su llegada al Colegio
de S. Pablo de Lima, mas tarde a las misiones de Juli, y últimamente a la
de los Mojos” (Medina).
palau, 150837 & 150838 (giving them as separate works). medina, lima,
712. sabin, 44465. oclc 44821383.
[ 71 ]
30. The Fall of New Granada: the report between the last Viceroys
of New Granada regarding the state of the Viceroyalty, 18 months
prior to the arrival of Simon Bolivar’s Army in Santa Fe de Bogota
montalvo y amboludi, francisco de (1754-1822). Ynstruccion sobre el
estado en que deja el Nuevo Reyno de Granada el Excmo. Señor Don
Francisco de Montalvo en 30 de enero de 1818 a su sucesor el Excmo.
Señor Don Juan de Samano. 1818. Cartagena. In 4to (260 mm x 219
mm). 126 ff. + 5 ff. [Index] & 7 folding tables. Contemporary green polished calf, spine flat, tooled in gilt, morocco lettering piece, boards with
gilt fillets, back cover with minor loss, overall fine. Internally a fresh and
well-preserved manuscript, with only a few scattered foxing spots.
This document, drafted by the outgoing Viceroy of New Granada,
Francisco José Montalvo, and given to his successor Juan José
Francisco de Sámano at the time of this final transition of Spanish
control, is without question one of the most significant historical documents for the history of the fall of the Viceroyalty of New Granada
and the creation of the modern Republic of Colombia in August 1819.
It provides a unique contemporary insight and factual account of the
state of affairs in the Viceroyalty on the eve of its conquest by the revolutionary forces led by Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Santander.
Against this backdrop, Montalvo attempts to provide his successor,
Sámano y Uribarri, with a meaningful overview of the state of affairs
in New Granada and Cartagena. It is a fundamental source for the history of the transitional final viceroyalties of New Granada, and an
exceptional manuscript meant only for the eyes of the highest-ranking
official in the Spanish Colonial Administration of Nueva Granada.
The contents are varied and encompass a thorough reconnaissance of
the region. The first part is a historical description of the condition
the territory was passed on to Montalvo in 1813: the deplorable state
of Costa Firme, his orders to move to Santa Marta, the help he was
[ 72 ]
[ 73 ]
granted, notes on the Spanish ships at Portobello, the political and
military situation at Santa Marta with its defenses, the insurgents
attacks and victories gained; passing on to 1814 the author keeps focus
on the troubling rebellion, this part includes the defeat of the revolutionaries and their retreat to Cartagena, the attack on Portobello,
spies, preparations for defense, details of economic nature such as the
value of the macuquina silver coin, extensive details on the fleet,
rebel’s incursions, state of the post office, defeats suffered by the revolutionaries and their persistence, Simon Bolivar’s refuge in
Cartagena, the revolution in Cuzco —the political instability was
widespread— and the taking of Montevideo. The report continues
with the military state in Cartagena, Hacha, Santa Marta, Popayan,
Quito and Venezuela; it is rich in information regarding the armed
forces, artillery, army, military hospitals, food, salaries, etc. A third
part deals with the Government, the authority of the colonial administration, public affairs, education, means to develop schools, what
should be taught, population, public health. It finishes with the financial and tax reality of the Viceroyalty. The small opinion the Viceroy
expressed towards the revolutionaries is expressed throughoutthe document “Es de presumir que los insurgentes no tuvieron otro objeto en la
expedicion de Portobelo que robar” [It is presumable that the insurgents
had no other aim in the expedition against Portobello than stealing].
The present manuscript is known in only a singleother example,
signed by Montalvo, which resides in the Real Academia Española.
Montalvo also signs this second example, which is in an identical
binding as the copy held at the Real Academia, suggesting that the
present example is either the copy given to Sámano or a copy retained
by Montalvo.
The folding tables are:
1. “Estado general de todos los ramos que ingresan en las Tesorerías de
Hacienda y Aduanas principales del distrito de este Tribunal Mayor y
Real Audiencia de Cuentas de Santa Fé de Bogotá”.
[ 74 ]
2. “Batallón Ynfantería 1o de Cataluña segundo ligero. Estado que muestra la fuerza efectiva con que se halla el citado batallón… Panamá, 24 de
Julio de 1817. VoBo Isidro de Diego, José Santa Cruz.”
3. “Estado que se manifiesta la fuerza con que hallan los cuerpos de que
se compone la guarnición de esta Provincia… Cartagena de Indias, 19 de
noviembre de 1817. Gabriel de Torres, Gregorio Rodríguez.”
4. “Plaza de Santa Marta. Estado que manifiesta la tropa que existe en
esta guarnición… Santa Marta, 5 de Febrero de 1818. Pedro Ruíz de
Porras”.
5. “Disposición de operaciones de la Provincia de Quito. Estado general
que manifiesta los cuerpos de que se compone la expresada y fuerza de que
constan…”
6. “Real Cuerpo de Artillería. Estado general que manifiesta la fuerza de
que debe componerse la Brigada veterana…”
7. “Subinspección General del Reyno. Estado que manifiesta la fuerza con
que se hallan los cuerpos y compañías sueltas de milicias disciplinadas…
Cartagena, 21 de noviembre de 1817. Gabriel de Torres”.
catálogo de manuscritos de la real academia española. madrid.
real academia española, 1991 (anejos del boletín de la real
academia española; anejo 50), mss. 226.
[ 75 ]
31. Amongst the rarest works on the Jesuits in Paraguay
and Argentina
montenegro, juan de. Breve Noticia de las Missiones, peregrinaciones
apostólicas, trabajos, sudor, y sangre vertida, en obsequio de la fe, de
el venerable padre Augustin Castañares, de la Compañía de Jesús,
insigne misionero de la provincia del Paraguay, en las Misiones de
Chiquitos, Zamucos, y últimamente de la Misión de los Infieles
Mataguayos. 1746. Madrid. Manuel Fernández. In 8vo (200 mm x 143
mm). 88 pp. Later half vellum. Excellent copy, very fresh and clean,
small erased stamp to tile-page.
First edition, extraordinarily rare. Montenegro’s work is amongst the
first and very few references to several northern argentinian tribes,
namely the Mataguayos and Zamucos, and the only available biography on Father Castañares. The biography is centered on
Castañares’ apostolic labor in the Paraguayan Jesuit Missions, as well
as his explorations to areas formerly beyond the reach of the Order.
Castañares (1687-1744) was a Jesuit missionary from Salta (Argentina);
being still young, and shortly after entering the Order, he was sent to
evangelize amongst the Chiquitos. Arguably, one of his greatest achievements was with the Zamucos, to whom he dedicated most of his
life. After residing with them, Castañares went to a region inhabited
by the Mataguayos (Mataguais), death would find him there, to the
hands of the tribe’s Chief, at age 57. The Zamucos’ Mission (San
Ignacio de Zamucos) was founded in 1724, Castañares is counted
amongst its founders; the Mission lasted until 1745. The details on
the costumes of the natives, state of the Missions, etc., are abundant.
Montenegro (1696-1761) was also an argentinian Jesuit —born in
Santa Fe—, dedicated to the Province of Paraguay “Durante quince
años (1723-1738) misiono a los chiquitos en los pueblos de S. Juan, S.
[ 76 ]
Jose y S. Ignacio de Zamucos. Fue sucesivamente (1739-1743) rector de
los colegios de San Miguel de Tucuman y de San Ignacio de Buenos
Aires, donde siguio como padre espiritual hasta 1750 aproximadamente.” (Diccionario historico de la Compañía de Jesus, 2730).
medina (bha), 3404. palau 178091. leclerc (1878), 1916. backer sommervogel, v, 1247. not in sabin.
[ 77 ]
[ 78 ]
32. Augustinian Missions in the Philippines and China
mozo, antonio. Noticia Historico Natural de los gloriosos triumphos y
felices adelantamientos conseguidos en el presente siglo por los religiosos del Orden de N.P.S. Agustin en las Missiones que tienen a su
cargo en las Islas Philipinas, y en el grande Imperio de la China. 1763.
Madrid. Andres Ortega. In 4to (197 mm x 137 mm). 1 [blank] + 8 ff. +
247. Contemporary vellum, spine lettered in ink, very good condition.
A fine copy, very crisp, fresh and clean, with barely any signs of foxing.
First edition. A very rare work on the progress of the Augustinians
missions in South East Asia, Philippines and China; it includes an
immense array of information on the costumes, religion, ethnology, superstitions, manners and way of
life of the natives, habits, religion, geography, products, and progress of their missionary activity.
It is also a lengthy and substantial source for the state
of the region shortly before the expulsion of the
Jesuits. Furthermore, mostly all that Mozo writes
comes from original sources and his own observations, never printed before; for example the letters by
Father Balthasar Isisigana and Father Antolin de
Arzaga.
The rarity is considerable; we cannot find a single
copy sold at auction in 100 years, with one exception,
a damaged copy in 1976, Sotheby’s, it made 65 GBP.
palau, 184003. oclc, 20140232.
[ 79 ]
33. A crew of mostly prisoners, in a Spanish expedition
to the Magellan Strait
nodal, bartolomé garcia de. Relacion del viage… al descubrimiento
del Estrecho nuevo de San Vicente, que hoy es nombrado de Maire, y
reconocimiento del de Magallanes… lleva añadido Las derrotas de la
America Occidental de unos Puertos a otros. 1768. Cadiz. Don
Manuel Espinosa. In 4to (195 mm x 138 mm). 9 ff. + 1 [blank] + 162 +
1 ff. + 1 [blank] + 41 + 1 ff. + folding map. Contemporary flexible vellum, ties present, spine lettered in ink, slightly bowed and soiled. A
fine, clean and crisp copy, title and last page with small excised piece
of paper far from text and restored.
Second edition. The first edition was published in 1621 and is virtually
unobtainable with the Texeira map. “This
expedition was organized by the Spanish
Government to explore the extreme south of
America where Le Maire and Schouten had
just discovered a new passage to the Pacific.
Two ships were built in Lisbon especially for
this purpose. The crew consisted entirely of
Portuguese taken out of prison… Among the
navigators were some Dutchmen who had
already been on the voyage with Le Maire.
The expedition eached Rio in November,
1618… They circumnavigated Tierra del
Fuego and renamed the strait of Le Maire
Sao Vicente … They returned to Spain after
calling at Pernambuco in July, 1619”. The
expedition passed through Tierra del Fuego
and the Strait of Magellan in 1619.
[ 80 ]
Remarkably, virtually no men enlisted for this journey, considered to
be highly dangerous, so the crew consisted mostly of prisoners —in
fact, when making Port at Rio, the Nodal s wanted the men to go
directly to the local prison, in fear of an attempt to escape; apparently
no one died. The Relacion is a fascinating travel narrative and an outstanding work on navigation.
sabin, 55396. borba de moraes, 616. palau, 99486.
[ 81 ]
34. Splendid copy of one of the scarcest and most beautiful
illustrated works on Brazil & Argentina
ouseley, william gore, esq. Views in South America, from original
drawings made in Brazil, the River Plate, the Parana &c [with]
Description of views in South America, from original drawings made
in Brazil, the River Plata, the Parana, & c. 1842. London. Thomas M.
Lean. In royal folio (620 mm x 450 mm; plates c 545 mm x 375 mm).
3 [blank] + 2 ff. + 27 plates + 3 [blank]; viii + 118. Later full crimson
dark blue morocco, boards with two double gilt fillets, spine heavily
tooled and lettered in gilt with raised bands forming compartments,
inner dentelle gilt, gently rubbed, else fine; original stamped cloth
front board bound in on front pastedown; text volume in editor s giltstamped cloth, rubbed. A fantastic copy, every plate mounted on
stubs on large folios and facing passé-partouts, insignificant foxing, else
a flawless copy; text volume slightly dog-eared and browned, else fine.
First edition. Illustrated with 27 hand colored lithographs of Brazil
—mainly Rio de Janeiro—, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires, selected
by Queen Victoria from the
original watercolors by
Ouseley. “This rare and valued album contains very
picturesque lithographs…
who made great contributions to Brazil and the Rio
de la Plata region” (Borba
de Moraes). The work was
bound by a previous owner
in impressive morocco gilt,
preserving the original
[ 82 ]
stamped cloth gilt and having every plate framed with a passe-partout.
The views show local costumes, harbors, architecture and landscapes,
and give a splendid perspective on the life and appearance of the early
19th century Brazil and Argentina, it is indeed one of the most beautiful published works on South America.
With little doubt, the 19th century was the golden age for illustrated
“plate-books”. Along with that, the Independence of several countries
in South America gave the Europeans a feeling that something new
was coming. A visual aid was necessary, wanted and well received; the
printers knew it and took advantage of the situation. The flourishing
capitals of the Continent were arguably Rio de Janeiro and Buenos
Aires, it was time to bring them to the eyes of Europeans and, exceptionally, (because of the price the works would command) to wealthy
South Americans.
In the case of Ouseley s album, the richness in detail and beauty of the
plates is virtually unrivalled.
borba de moraes, 643. sabin, 57947 & 57943. tooley, 356.
[ 83 ]
35. One of the most important early histories of Chile
ovalle, alonso de. Historica relatione del Regno di Cile, e delle
Missionim e ministerio che esecita in quelle la Compagnia di Giesu.
1646. Rome. Francesco Cavalli. In 4to (262 mm x 182 mm). 4 ff. + 378
+ 1 ff. + 12 [plates] + 6 [plates] + folding map. Elegant 19th century red
morocco, by Riviere, boards with gilt fillet, spine with raised bands,
tooled and lettered in gilt; professionally restored, minor soiling. An
excellent copy, carefully cleaned and pressed, title restored at gutter,
very attractive, splendid tall copy.
First Italian edition printed the same year as the first in Spanish; the
simultaneity of both relations makes it impossible to assess to their
priority in time. Ovalle provides a description of the geography and
natural history of the province of Chile, including Tierra del Fuego,
and describes the native populations who inhabited the region. In particular, this work is a highly important source for the study of the
Araucanian Indians, as it deals at length with their social structure,
political organization, diet, and domestic life. Ovalle also discusses the
early contact period between the Spanish and Indians, the ensuing
conflicts, the Spanish settlement, the advent of Catholic missionaries,
proselytization and conversion, the role of the Society of Jesus, miracles and apparitions of the Virgin, and numerous other topics.
Overall, it is one of the most primary and richest sources of information on the physical and cultural reality of the country, and provides
a remarkable amount of information of the Indian ethnology. Ovalle
(1601-1651) was a Chilean born historian, educator and Jesuit; he lived
in Rome from 1642 to 1650 where he had his work published.
Complementing Ovalle’s history is a wealth of visual images, with renderings of natives, architecture and city life. In the text are fourteen
[ 84 ]
engravings showing Indian customs, Catholic religious imagery, and
a map of the city of Santiago. The woodcuts illustrate Jesuit establishments throughout Chile, a map of the Chiloe archipelago, and unusual bird’s-eye woodcut views of harbours along the coast. The engraved
map, “Tabula Geographica Regni Chile”, shows the entire region
discussed in the book and is considered one of the most relevant cartographic productions on Chile of the 17th century; it is, additionally,
quite a beautiful map. The importance of the text, combined with
the illustrations, make this volume one of great appeal and
historical interest.
european americana, 646/113. jcb (3), ii, 346. sabin, 57971. de backer
–sommervogel, vi:60. palau, 207399.
[ 85 ]
36. A fine copy of one of the most important Iconographical
works of Argentina and Brazil
palliere, juan león. Album Escenas Americanas Reproduccion de
Cuadros, Aquarelles y Bosquejos. (1864). Buenos Aires. En la casa de
los Señors Fusoni Hermanos. In 4to oblong (465 mm x 309 mm). 1 ff.
[title] + 52 lithographed plates + 2 wrappers titles (the book was issued
in parts, the original wrappers are exceedingly rare). Contemporary
blue morocco with title gilt on upper cover, framed by fillets tooled in
blind, spine with raised bands and lettered in gilt, slightly worn, else
perfect. Foxing as always and some plates gently browned, wide margins, preserving two original titles.
First edition. A fundamental and lavishly produced album on Argentina,
Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay —although mainly Argentina and
Brazil. Illustrated with 52 lithographed plates after Juan León Palliere,
mainly representing rural and urban scenarios —including images of the
“Gauchos”, regarded as iconographical cornerstones—, amongst them
the Desembarque con Rio Bajo, La Pupería, El Saladero, La Esquila,
Gauchos carneando, Valparaiso, Entrada de la Bahia de Rio de Janeiro.
Palliere (1823-1887) was born in Río de Janeiro to French parents, studied
under Picot and Lenepveu until he was 25 years old, when he went back
to Brazil to continue his studies at the Academia de Belas Artes. After finishing his studies, Palliere began his travels —which lasted for a
decade— where the most of his artistic creation was conceived. The
images reproduced in the album are a product of those travels. He is
regarded as one of the foremost painters of 19th century Argentina. A
special copy, retaining its original editor’s binding and bound with two
of the original folder titles where the plates were given to the subscribers.
Provenance: ownership inscription of Angel Gallardo to title page.
palau, 211114. borba de moraes ii, 648.
[ 86 ]
[ 87 ]
[ 88 ]
37. Magnificent collection
of finely executed Peruvian drawings
[peruvian costumes] [fierro, pancho, attributed to]. Album of
Peruvian costumes. N.d. [ca. 1840]. [Lima]. In 4to 35 watercolors
mounted on old paper on corners. Contemporary calf, boards with
interlacing fillet, sympathetically rebacked preserving original spine.
The album is in excellent condition, each watercolor on a larger,
heavy-laid paper; virtually flawless overall.
Splendid collection of Peruvian watercolors, although we can t establish the authorship, this exquisite album might well be a compilation
done by an Englishman of Pancho Fierro s drawings. Each watercolor
is accompanied by a short title in contemporary writing
which explains scene portrayed: “Fresquero, or vendor of
iced Drinks”, “Adjusting the Saya”, “A baker”, “Penitente, collecting almas”, “Llama loden with cheeses from the interior of
Peru conducted by an Indian woman”, “Waterman unloading”, “A Peruvian horse soldier”, “General Gran Mariscal Don
Agustin Gamarra President of Peru – a very good likeness”,
“Dulcero or vendor of sweets”, “Dance of the Country”, “Lady
going to or coming from Amancaso[?] a place much visited in
July…”, “Lady bathing with guide in Chorillos, a small port
near Lima”, “Conducting grass to the city for sale”, “Man selling ices”, “Quesera – Indian woman selling cheese”, “Saya y
manto”, “Saya desplazada or full saya”, “Beggar woman”,
“Waterman on his way to the fountain to fill his casks”,
“Belero, or vendor of Candles”, “Chorillano, native of
Chorillas collecting almas for some religious ceremony”,
amongst others. One of the drawings represents the General
Gran Mariscal Agustín Gamarra Mesia (1785-1841), a Peruvian
[ 89 ]
[ 90 ]
politician and military, Constitutional President from 1829-1833 and
1840-1841; the drawing mention him as the President, thus the album
was surely made during one of both periods as President. Although no
signature is found and no attribution is made on the album, the color
and the quality of the watercolors is remarkable, surely made by an
experienced artist.
These albums are vivid testimonies of the increasing interest from
Europeans in Peruvian costumes at the turn of the 19th century. The
recently created nation had long been the strong point of Spanish rule
in South America and was now forging it’s own identity. Often executed by artist-travellers, albums such as this were recurrently brokenup and their parts framed.
[ 91 ]
[ 92 ]
38. The final years of the Jesuit missions in Japan,
with a list of the Christian Martyrs
piñeyro, luis. Relacion del Sucesso que tuvo Nuestra Santa Fe en los
Reynos del Japon, desde el ano 1612 hasta el de 1615, Imperando
Cubosama. 1617. Madrid. Viuda de Alonso Martin de Balboa. In folio
(285 mm x 198 mm). 8 ff. + 516 + 4 ff. Near contemporary calf, boards
with triple gilt fillet, raised bands to spine, tooled in gilt, two morocco
lettering pieces, one with cypher. Light soiling, mainly marginal, to a
few pages, mostly unobtrusive foxing spots, overall a remarkably fresh
and clean copy.
First edition. A rare work on Japanese–Western affairs in the early 17th
century; it stands as an early source book to the history of Japan. The
history spans mostly through the years 1612 - 1615, and devotes itself
to the progress of the Faith in the region, the Japanese, the causes of
the persecution of Christians & converts, and the expulsion of the
missionaries —with its effects— following the Tokugawa Ieyasu edict
of 1614, which ordered the expulsion of the missionaries and marked
the beginning of the end of the Christian Church in Japan. The
work contains a list of the Christian martyrs from 1574 - 1615 and
the location of the Jesuit missions in Japan. For Japanese history,
this is also a most relevant work, as it is written during the years
of the beginning of the Shogunate that would control the country
for two centuries, ending a period of unrest and civil war by the
different Daimyos. “Muy raro” (Palau).
Piñeyro (1560-1620) was a Spanish Jesuit missionary; he is believed
to have been in Japan during the years of gradually worsening relationships between the Shogunate and the Christian Church.
cordier japonica, 290. palau 226932. streit v, 1163. de
backer – sommervogel, vi, 817.
[ 93 ]
39. One of the most beautiful books ever-made on Chili
poeppig, eduard. Reise in Chile, Peru und auf dem Amazonenstrome
wahrend der Jahre 1827-1832. 1835. Leipzig. Fleischer und Hinrichs.
Two volumes in 4to and atlas in folio oblong (292 mm x 234 mm; 635
mm x 465 mm). xviii + 466; viii + 464 + folding map; 16 lithographed
plates. Text in recent brown cloth with lettering pieces to spine; atlas
in contemporary boards with blue printed lettering piece with title on
front board.
First edition, magnificently illustrated. “A highly esteemed work”
(Sabin). “After visiting Chile and Peru Poeppig journeyed down the
Amazon river to Para. Part of his scientific collection was lost but he
managed to save an enormous quantity. The account of his expedition
and the botanical surveys he published are comparable to the work of
Humboldt” (Borba de Moraes). The atlas contains 16 highly accomplished lithographed plates after Poeppig’s own drawings, showing
landscapes, customs, manners, and city views; the plates were made by
Sedlmayr, Nepomuk and Bergmann. Amongst them, the ones from
Talcahuano, Antuco volcano & the Perhuenches in a “malon”, are of
particular beauty and quality.
Poeppig (1798-1868) was a German a botanist, zoologist, and traveller;
after graduating with a medical degree he spent several years in Chile,
performing a scientific expedition. It was during this period that he
would assemble the drawings that illustrate the work.
palau, 229613. borba de moraes, ii, 681.
[ 94 ]
[ 95 ]
40. Early manuscript chart of the Falklands
[puig, joseph antonio, pilot]. Plano de las Yslas Malvinas cituadas en
el mar del Sur. [c. 1770]. Manuscript in ink and wash colour; watermark of “Konig & Son”, marginal restorations virtually not affecting,
excellent condition overall. 730 mm x 530 mm.
Stunning manuscript survey of the Falkland Islands coasts, one of
the earliest known, of high artistic craftsmanship and historically
important.
The Falklands are an archipelago located c. 400 km off the coast of
Argentina; it is composed of two larger islands (Isla de la Soledad and
Gran Malvinas) and several smaller ones, both larger islands are well
depicted on this chart. It is currently under British management,
however its sovereignty has been disputed by Argentina since 1833,
and has lead to armed conflict. The history of the islands goes back to
the first decades of American exploration —with several claims of
sighting, from John Davis in 1592 and Sir Richard Hawkins in 1594,
however the first confirmed one being that of Sebald de Weert in
1600—, although uncharted and unsettled until the second half of the
18th century, when explorers Byron and Bougainville almost simultaneously claimed them for their respective countries. Bougainville’s settling ended up with the French leaving the islands after Spain’s claim;
the British however, lead by John Byron, founded Port Edgmond
[a.k.a. Santa Catalina, see Torres Lanzas, nº 86]. The Spanish later
became aware of their presence, which again occasioned frictions
between governments and raised the possibility of war. In 1833, the
British reoccupied the islands permanently —with the exception of a
short period in 1982.
Drawn after a running performed by Joseph Antonio Puig in July
[ 96 ]
[ 97 ]
1770. Puig was the pilot aboard the San Francisco de Paula [a.k.a. La
Catalana], a bergantin commanded by Manuel Pando. As a side note,
it would be him as well who contributed to the mysterious Pepys
island history, claiming to have sighted it and baptized it the
Catalana. This voyage took Puig from Montevideo to the Falklands
and back. The enterprise was seemingly on behalf of the Rl. Compa.
de Comercio de Barcelona desde Buenos Ayres, the track marked on this
chart in red. Torres Lanzas catalogues two similar maps, none of
which are of this quality. On a map located at the Biblioteca Nacional
de España, entitled “Plano de las Yslas Malvinas situadas en la latitude
de 51 grados 28 minutos y en 360 grados 30 minutos”, ordered by Phelipe
Ruiz Puente, we see a much primitive rendering of the islands, which
are charted rudimentarily, although the cartouche explains they contain the last explorations done by land and sea. It is catalogued as c.
1769 and reflects the Spanish expeditions done between 1768 and 1769
to locate the English settlement of Port Edgmont.
The map is beautifully made and cartographically accurate, it features
a numbered key to the straits, bays, adjacent islands and other points
of interest. Iconographically an interesting map, the artist decorated it
with two drawings opposing themselves, the first being the portrait of
a lady holding a scale and the second a settler seating by a fire heating
coffee or some beverage, background with a seal, whales and a turtle.
The centre of the map features the Spanish Lion in threatening posture. Two cartouches at the upper right and left corners feature coastal
profiles. Provenance, there is an unidentified wax seal on the map,
title and number on verso.
torres lanzas, relacion descriptiva de los mapas, planos, etc. del
virreinato de buenos aires, 1921, nº 69, 82, 86, 89.
[ 98 ]
41. An extremely rare Philippine imprint on native
defence against piracy
[anonymous]. Relacion de la valorosa defensa de los naturals Bisayas del
pueblo de Palompong en la Ysla de Leyte, de la Provincia de
Catbalogan en las Yslas Philipinas, que hicieron contra las Armas
Mahometanas de Ylanos, y Malanos, en el mes de junio de 1754. 1755.
Manila. Imprenta en la Compania de Jesus. In 8vo. pp. 14.
Contemporary local patterned wrappers; label removed from upper
cover, with small portion of wrapper torn away; from the Colección
Hispano Ultramarina of Antonio Graiño, with his bookplate and
shelf-mark on upper inner wrapper. Printed on rice paper; lightly
browned; the first two leaves minimally chipped.
First edition. The account of the ‘brave defense of the native Vesayans in
the town of Polompong on the island of Leyte, who fought against the
Muslims from Ilanos and Melanaoes’ was most probably a first hand account by the local Jesuit priest. There
were several incursions by the Moros on the island of
Leyte in 1754 which prior to this incident resulted in
the burning to the ground of its two largest towns —
Sogod and Maasim— and other villages. This account
describes how the residents of Palompon defended
themselves after having sought refuge in the local
church. Although the town was pillaged and houses
burnt to the ground, most of its inhabitants escaped
death or capture for enslavement. The stone church,
which had to be large enough to hold the entire community in worship, was also large enough to protect
them all in a siege.
bibliotheca filipina, 2296. streit vi 1099.
[ 99 ]
[ 100 ]
42. First and only edition of Rocca's
treatise on the Turks
rocca, vicente. Hystoria en la qual se trata dela origen y guerras que han
tenido los Turcos, desde su comienco hasta nuestros tiempos. Con
muy notables sucessosque con diversas getes y nasciones les han acotecido: y de las costubres y vida dllos. 1555. Valencia. Juan Navarro. In
folio (303 mm x 214 mm). 4 ff. + cliii. Eighteenth century stiff vellum, raised bands to spine, lettered in ink, head restored. A fine, widemargined and unsophisticated copy, with only minor scattered foxing.
First and only edition of the best 16th century work on the Turks.
During the greater part of century of discoveries, Soliman the
Magnificent’s expansion through the Mediterranean and across central Europe threatened Europe and Spain to the point only a largescale invasion could. Valencian-born Rocca narrates the campaigns,
battles and privateering activities of the Bereberes on the coasts of
Valencia and Andalucia. The Hystoria is divided into three parts, the
first deals with the crusades done to Jerusalem, the second with victories of Charles V and Venice over the Turks at the African coasts, and
the third deals extensively with the way of life and customs of the
Turks —which allows us a glimpse of Spanish perception of what was
one of the greatest nations of the 16th century.
The work has been considered rare and important since the days of
Salva. It is considerably rare; no copies are traced at auction in over 30
years. It is handsomely printed in two columns, with large engraved
device to title page, gothic type.
salva, 3388. palau, 271434.
[ 101 ]
43. A fine collection of mostly Lima and Quito imprints,
including the fourth and fifth book printed in Ecuador
[sammelband] Two volumes in 8vo (190 mm x 135 mm). Contemporary
uniform calf, boards with simple gilt fillet, spines flat, tooled in gilt,
red morocco lettering pieces, minor rubbing, second volume sunned.
Some parts slightly short-margined by the binder obviously to make
it uniform, but generally fine, tear with no loss to a folding plate, scattered foxing, overall exceptionally fresh and clean.
One of the finest collections ever assembled of South American
imprints of eulogies, celebrations, orations and praises; including the
fourth and fifth book printed in Quito, and several printed in Lima
—some of which are known but in few institutional copies. The sammelband includes 16 works and is indeed extraordinary in the sense
that it could hardly be put together today. A full collation and references to each work can be provided upon request.
Provenance: printed exlibris on front pastedown from Joaquin de
Arteaga Azcano, Duque del Infantado and Marques of Santillana.
First volume:
castan, felipe. Elogio fúnebre del Rmo. P. M. Fr. Francisco Xavier
Vazquez de Sandoval y Romero [with] rueda, bernardo. Relación de
las Exequias que a la memoria del Rmo. Fr. Francisco Xavier Vazquez,
Prior General del Orden de Ermitaños de N. P. S. Agustín, celebró la
Provincia de Peru. 1786. Lima. Imprenta Real de los Huerfanos.
[bound with]
marimon, juan de. Oración fúnebre que a la venerable memoria del hermano Fray Francisco Verastegui, religioso lego del Orden de N. P. S.
Francisco. 1767. Lima. En la Imprenta Real.
[bound with]
[ 102 ]
[ 103 ]
alvitez, alexo. Puntual descripción, fúnebre lamento, y sumptuoso
túmulo, de la regia doliente pompa, con que la Santa Iglesia
Metropolitana… Corte de la America Austral, mandó solemnizar las
Reales Exequias de… la señora Doña Mariana Josepha de Austria.
1757. [Lima]. Handsomely illustrated with a large plate.
[bound with]
borda y orozco, joseph antonio. Relacion de las Reales Exequias,
que a la memoria de la Reyna Madre, nuestra señora, Doña Isabel
Farnesio, [with] orrantia, tomas de. Oración fúnebre que en
las exequias de la Reyna Madre… Isabel Farnesio. 1768. Lima.
Imprenta Real.
Second volume:
delso, agustín. Relación de las exequias que a la memoria de N. SS. P.
Clemente X celebró la Pronvincia de los SS. Doce Apostoles de la
Orden de S. Francisco. 1776. Lima. Imprenta de los Niños Huérfanos.
[bound with]
rodríguez tena, luis. Oracion fúnebre, que en las exequias de N. SS. P.
Clemente XIV de feliz memoria, celebradas por la Provincia de los
Doce Apóstoles de San Francisco en su Iglesia del Convento de Jesus
de Lima. 1776. Lima. Oficina de los Niños Expósitos.
[bound with]
carvajal y lancaster, joseph. Parentacion solemne de sufragio y obsequio, que a la augusta memoria del Rey nuestro Señor Phelipe V. 1747.
Salamanca, Antonio Villargordo.
[bound with]
melanesio, pedro joseph. El santo mas amable, la delicia, y el encanto
de el orbe. Oracion panegirica que en el dia solemne de el glorioso S.
Antonio de Padua y en la iglesia de el Convento Maximo de el
Seraphico Padre S. Francisco de Quito. 1761. Quito. Impreso en la
Compañia de Jesus. Rare, this is the fourth book printed in Quito.
[bound with]
[ 104 ]
melanesio, pedro joseph. Panegírico fúnebre que a la dulce, y venerable
memoria de nuestro rey Fernando VI, el Justo dixo en la Iglesia del
Colegio Maximo de Quito de la Compañía de Jesus. 1761. Quito.
Impresso en la Compañía de Jesús. The fifth book printed in Quito.
[bound with]
castillo y tamayo, francisco de. Poema heroyco fúnebre a la temprana
muerte de la Señora Doña Francisca Xaviera de Castañeda Hidalgo
Velásquez y Salazar. 1765. Lima. Oficina de la Calle de la Encarnacion.
[bound with]
duran, joseph miguel. Oración fúnebre que en la solemne parentación
que celebró la R. Universidad de S. Marcos de esta Corte de Lima, por
el alma de nuestro Inclito, y Sabio Monarca el Señor D. Carlos III.
1790. Lima. Casa Real de Niños Expositos.
[bound with]
rueda, bernardo. Oración fúnebre que en las reales exequias del señor
don Carlos III… Capital del Peru. 1790. Madrid.
[bound with]
yrisarri, lorenzo. Oración fúnebre que en las exequias solemnes del
señor Rey Carlos III. 1789. Madrid. Antonio Sancha.
[bound with]
sanz, joseph. Elogio fúnebre al señor Don Carlos III, Rey de España, y
Emperador de Las Indias. 1790. Lima. Imprenta Real de los Niños
Expósitos.
[bound with]
amil y feijó, vicente. Oración fúnebre del señor Don Carlos III Rey de
las Españas, y de las Indias. Dixola… en la Capilla del Santo Tribunal
de la Inquisición. 1790. Casa Real de Niños Expositos.
[bound with]
sánchez rando, diego. Valor y virtud de Carlos Tercero, copiados del
original del Príncipe de Israel Matatias. N.d. [1789]. Malaga. Félix de
Casas y Martínez.
[ 105 ]
44. One of the most important works ever published in Manila
san antonio, juan francisco de. Chronicas de la apostolica Provincia
de S. Gregorio de religiosos descalzos de N.S.P.S. Francisco en las Islas
Philipinas, China, Japon, &c. 1738-44. Sampaloc. Fr. Juan del Sotillo.
Three volumes in folio (300 mm x 204 mm). 32 ff. + 782 + 21 ff.; 15 ff.
+ 579 + 32 ff.; 19 ff. + 839 + 56 ff. Green 20th century straight-grained
morocco, spine with raised bands, lettered and tooled in gilt, slightly
sunned, in slipcases, gentle rubbing. A very good copy overall, ff. 675
with small stain, last folios of first volume with mainly marginal
restoration on upper corner, overall wide-margined, some minor soiling and a pale water stain to first leaves in volume 1, else very fresh
and clean; ink stamps mostly faded to titles pages. Engraved plate
present, in a gorgeous strong impression.
First edition. A true testimony to the excellence of the Manila printing industry, titles in red and black, woodcut floral borders, text in
double columns, engraved vignettes, and the famous plate of the 23
Gloriosos Martyrios, printed in Manila. The plate shows the martyrdom of San Pedro Bautista along with his 22 other companions in
Japan (1597).
The Chronicas, besides being a magnificent example of Philippine
printing —branded by Medina as “sobresaliente” [outstanding]— is an
invaluable source of information. The three volumes —it is very rare
to find all three volumes together— provide a comprehensive history
of the Spanish Franciscan Missions in the Philippines from their
arrival in the islands until 1741. The first volume gives a detailed
description and history of the Philippine Archipelago, including its
conquest by Spain, the early exploration, the native people and their
customs; according to Medina, it was said to be used by sailors as a
[ 106 ]
[ 107 ]
[ 108 ]
Derrotero for navigation purposes. In addition, mostly in the second
volume, accounts of the first Spanish missionaries to visit Macao and
China are to be found, along with abundant information on
Cochinchina, Borneo, Malacca and the Pacific. The third volume is
devoted entirely to the Spanish missions in Japan and is illustrated
with a magnificent engraved plate.
San Antonio was a Franciscan Priest born in Madrid in 1682, he went
to the Philippines in 1724, where he served as reader of theology and
secretary of the Province; he would spend a large portion of his life living amongst the natives until death found him in Manila in 1744.
The rarity is legendary; only one copy has appeared at auction in the
last 50 years, in 1988, sold for GBP 19,250, other than this.
Provenance: Saturio de Pedrosa y Rodriguez, with his note at the end
of the third volume.
cordier japonica, 434. medina, manila, 202. palau 289961. brunet v,
107. sabin 75987. salva, 3395 (“dificilisimos de reunir”).
[ 109 ]
45. First edition of this important account on Morocco
and the Muslims
san juan del puerto, francisco de. Mission historial de Marruecos en
que se trata de los martirios, persecuciones, y trabajos, que han padecido los missioneros, y frutos que han cogido las missiones, que desde
sus principios tuvo la orden Seraphica en el Imperio de Marruecos.
1708. Seville. Francisco Garay. In folio (276 mm x 197 mm). 22 ff. +
829 + 9 ff. Nineteenth century quarter black calf over marbled paper,
spine with raised bands, tooled and lettered in gilt, expertly rebacked.
Frontispiece mounted and slightly cropped, scattered foxing spots,
last folio with long tear restored affecting a little text, else an excellent
copy, fresh and clean.
First edition. The work contains a comprehensive description of the
region with details on the geography, climate, government, history,
antiquities, manners and religion of the Moors, their relation with
foreigners, the first Franciscan missionaries —c. 1234—, their martyrdoms and persecutions, the foundation of the convent of Morocco,
amongst others subjects. Embellished with a strikingly engraved frontispiece by Allet after Pietri s design, showing medallion portraits of
Saints, and Juan de Pardo kneeling with arrows in his chest and a
sword in his head, the Virgin Mary at the top over an image of the
Convento de la Concepcion de Marruecos.
A scarce work with a great provenance: from the library of Heredia, one
of the foremost Spanish collectors, his ex libris on front pastedown.
palau, 293854. not in salvá. heredia, 2930 (his copy).
[ 110 ]
[ 111 ]
46. Correspondence between Priests, with news
on the “miserable” state of the Philippine Islands
sandin, alonso. Copia de una carta escrita al Padre Fray Alonso Sandin,
de la Orden de Predicadores, Difinidor y Procurador General de la
Provincia del Santo Rosario de Philipinas en esta Corte; en que da
noticias del estado de aquellas islas. N.d. [c. 1683]. Madrid. In folio
(280 mm x 184 mm). 14 ff. Unbound. A little creased, gently toned,
else very good.
First edition. An anonymous letter sent from Manila, sent on 26th
May, 1683 and clearly written by a missionary; begins making reference to the supposedly miserable state of the islands “Hallase en tan
miserable estado aquella tierra, y tan necesitada de remedio, que parece
indispensable el dexar de dar noticia de todo por los medio posibles”.
On folio 8 a new piece by the same writer of the letter starts with the
title “Puntos que hemos sabido se escriven al Consejo contra nosostros este
año, y respuesta a ellos, que haran la fee que Dios les diere luegar, porque
no es possible hazer informacion, que aun para casos muy Corrientes, ni
tenemos Escrivanos, ni testigos que se atrean a ayudarnos, ni aun por
sueños”; this part contains the accusations made against the
Dominicans and their replies, contesting the accusations & statements. Alonso de Sandin was a Spanish Priest, in 1682 he was elected
Vicar General of the Philippines, Japan and China; a prominent figure, he authorized Cogolludo s significant Historia de Yucathan for
printing (1688). There has been apparently no copy for auction in over
50 years (source, AE). Provenance: Maggs, 1922, lot 360.
tavera, 2540. no copies in ccpbe. not in palau.
[ 112 ]
47. Exceedingly rare broadside printed in Manila,
to be hung in the ships transporting the Jesuits to Cadiz,
after the expulsion from the Philippines; forbidding
the Priests to give Mass or Teach
santa justa, basilio sancho de. Nos… Atendiendo a hallarse próximamente para salir de el Puerto y Bahia de esta Capital Manila dos
Fragatas, la una nombrada S. Rosa, y la otra Venus, con el Navio Buen
Consejo de regresso para el Puerto de Cadiz, y que assi mismo se conducirá al presente el numero de Regulares de la Compañía nombrado
de Jesus, residuo de los que se hallaban en este Continente… estrechamente prohíbe, que puedan en ellos los referidos Regulares exercer
función, ni acto alguno de enseñanza espiritual, ni confesar a los
dichos Vasallos de S. M. Catholica. 1770. Manila. In folio (416 mm x
312 mm). 2 ff. (manuscript) + 1 ff. Unbound. Excellent copy on watermarked paper, folded vertically twice, and three folds matching those
of the letter horizontally; with stamped seal and signed by Basilio
Sancho de Santa Justa and another official.
[with]
santa justa, basilio sancho de, archbishop of manila. Manuscript
letter addressed to the Bishop of Campomanes, Don Pedro Rodriguez,
regarding the accompanying decree to be posted on ships carrying Jesuits
expelled from the Philippines. Manila, 13 January 1770. Manuscript
letter in ink (310 x 200 mm). pp. 4; approximately 29 lines, pp. 3 with
5 lines of writing and signature, and p. 4 date, and note stating that the
decree mentioned in the letter is enclosed; folded for sending.
This letter from the Archbishop of Manila and accompanying copy of
the decree to be posted on the Santa Rosa and Venus ships were sent
to Don Pedro Rodriguez de Campomanes (1723-1802), a financial
minister on the Council of Castile in Spain. The decree instructs that
the broadside be nailed up in a public and visual place on the ships
[ 113 ]
and explained that the Jesuits were forbidden from preaching, saying
Mass, or taking confession while aboard the ship. The King of Spain
had put Campomanes in charge of investigating the March 1766 “Hat
and Cloak Riots” that occurred in Madrid. He had found the Jesuits
to be directly responsible for the unrest and shortly afterwards the
expulsion of the Jesuits and confiscation of Jesuit property in Spanish
territories was ordered. The Jesuits were to be replaced with priests
under the direct control of Spanish bishops. The Aragonese
Archbishop of Manila, Basilio Sancho, arrived in Manila in 1767. In
1768 the order for the expulsion of the Jesuits reached Manila and
between 1768 and 1771 he oversaw the expulsion of 143 Jesuits from
the Philippines who were sent to Cadiz on various ships, thus, he was
an influential part of the expulsion and a well-positioned eyewitness
to the process. The ships mentioned in this letter and decree had are
the Venus, with 24 Jesuits aboard, and Santa Rosa, with 68 Jesuits
aboard, which left Manila on the 20th and 23rd of January 1770.
The destiny of the broadsides might explain their scarcity, being
exposed to sunlight and water a considerable amount may have perished. Our copy was sent by the Bishop to Campomanes —thus eluding the same fate as the others.
not in palau. we found no copies in spain (ccpbe). not in oclc or ccpbe.
[ 114 ]
[ 115 ]
48. Guiana in large coloured lithographed plates
schomburgk, robert h., esq.; bentley, charles. Twelve views in the
interior of Guiana: from drawings executed by Mr. Charles Bentley,
after sketches during the expedition carried on in the years 1835 to
1839. 1841. London. Ackermann and co. In folio (518 mm x 355 mm).
5 ff. + 38 + map + 12 plates. Near contemporary olive morocco gilt,
boards with pebbled cloth sides, gilt fillets in neo-classical style, spine
lettered and tooled in gilt, a little rubbed, restored. A very clean and
bright copy, with scattered foxing spots, generally excellent.
First edition. A monumental work on Guiana and the North of Brazil,
illustrated with 12 large coloured lithographed plates by George
Barnard, Coke Smith and P. Gauci after Bentley and a lithographed
title by M. Gauci after Bentley —who took them from James
Morrison, the expedition draughtsman. “This album is quite rare”
(Borba de Moraes). Shomburgk (1804-1865), British explorer and protégé of Alexander von Humboldt, on his return, was awarded the RGS
Gold Medal for his scientific work, mainly the sending of the Victoria
Regia waterlily to England. He also suggested a border between
Venezuela and Guiana and laid down a division, later named after him
“Schomburgk line”; eventually the British government used his explorations “as arguments in the boundary dispute with Brazil”, which he
recommended from his encounters with Brazilian enslavement of
local Indian tribes.
The plates are, amongst others: a map Guyana, additional title featuring the giant Victoria Regia waterlily, the Comuti or Taquiare Rock,
River Essequibo, Ataraipu or the Devils Rock, Pirara and Lake
Amucu, Roraima.
abbey, travel, 720. borba de moraes, 782. sabin, 77796.
[ 116 ]
[ 117 ]
49. Remarkably rare Manila imprint, narrating the persecution
of Jesuits in China
sequeira, luis de; simoes, juan. Breve relacion sobre la persecucion de
nuestra Santa Fe en la Provincia de Kiamnan, y otras Provincias del
Imperio de la China, ilustres vidas de los PP. Ant. Joseph Henriquez,
y Tristan de Atimis, por el P. Luis de Sequeyra y el P. Juan Simoes, de
la Compañia de Jesus. 1751. Manila. Imprenta de la Compañia de
Jesus, Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay. In 4to. 3 ff. + 72. Twentieth century
speckled calf, boards tooled in blind, spine gilt with lettering piece.
Printed on rice paper. Title with minor marginal repairs, else a very
good copy.
First edition. The work deals with the persecution, arrest, imprisonment and execution of a group of Jesuit missionaries under the
Qianlong Emperor. “During the violent outbreak of persecution in
Fukien, in 1746, Hukwang and Kiangnan enjoyed a relative peace that
lasted until the end of 1747 when two Jesuits working in Kiangnan,
Antonio Jose Henriques and Tristano Francesco de Attimis, were
arrested, condemned to death and executed” (“China Missions in crisis”, Joseph Krahl). After De Attimis and Henriquez’ capture, they
were subdued to torture “De Attimis who was new in the mission and
did not speak the language well, was not treated badly, but Henriques
was cruelly tortured on several occasions”, apparently Henriquez got
the worst part. “Relatan las persecuciones sufridas por los cristianos en
1746 y años siguientes. La Relacion del P. simoens es relativa a la
Provincia de Pekin.” (Medina).
The book is divided into chapters, entitled: “Principio de la persecucion, y castigos con que Dios en este tiempo afligio a los Chinas” [Origin
of the persecution and punishments with which God in this time
inflicted the Chinese]; “Persecucion del Kiamnan, y su autor. Prision de
[ 118 ]
[ 119 ]
los Missioneros, y su examen” [Persecution of Kiamnan and its author…
], in this particular chapter, there is a reference to Father Tristan de
Attimis, by Father Juan de Sexas, that when the former was captured
a map was found amongst his papers, a map arguably to be used for a
premeditated rebellion; “La sentencia, y muerte a los venerables Padres”
[The sentence and death, of the venerable Fathers]; “Breve noticia de
la vida de los VV. PP. hasta su Martyrio…”
The Jesuit presence in China underwent different periods with the
local authorities, some of great favor and some less so. This chapter of
the Sino-Jesuit relations is to be considered amongst the most agitated. The relations under the Manchu were overall excellent, especially
under Kangxi, who had little hesitation to appoint the Jesuits as advisers on mapping and engineering. The persecution, martyrdom and
imprisonment of these priests, was one of the few periods of unrest for
the missionaries.
Medina does not appear to have seen it. Palau mentions 4 ff. + 72 + 3
ff., which is not the collation for any copy we have found; in fact
refers to a 1606 edition quoted by Nicolas Antonio, which would
appear difficult as it was written after the events of 1748. The copy at
the BNE collates as ours; the Yale copy says only 72.
A very rare Manila imprint on rice paper. We could find no copy having been sold at auction and only a handful in institutions.
medina, manila, 236 (quoting 2 ff. instead of 3 ff. as in this copy).
palau, 309407.
[ 120 ]
50. A detailed proposal to create a transport route from
Peru to Spain through the Brazilian Marañon, preceding
that of Texeira and Acuña; one of three known copies
silveira, simao estacio, captain. Señor. El Capitan Symon… Dize, que
la plata y riquezas del Piru viene a España conduzidas por tierra a
Arica… De Arica van embarcadas mas de 200 leguas a Lima, de donde
en la armadilla vienen á Panamá. 1626. Madrid. In folio (276 mm x
202 mm). 3 pp. Custom made morocco backed cloth folder, and slip
case, spine lettered in gilt, a little rubbed. Good copy with mostly
marginal loss of paper in the upper margin —touching a few letters—
, else a remarkably fresh and clean copy.
First edition. Extremely rare imprint, of which Borba de moraes says
there are only two known copies. None seem to have appeared ever at
auction. “The rarity of the document is explained by the fact that it is
a petition addressed to the King of Spain through the Council of the
Indies; very few copies of such petitions were printed, for distribution
only to the members” (Borba de Moraes).
In 1578, the Portuguese king fell in the battle of Alcácer Quibir; he
having no successors, the throne became vacant, hence beginning two
years of disputes over the crown. By 1580, Phillip II of Spain had
incorporated Portugal to his realm. Under this period of unification,
Brazil was part of the Spanish-Portuguese Empire; because of this, the
prospect of an alternative route of transport was thought possible
—thus avoiding the much dangerous route through the Magellan
Straits; as a result, there were a few attempts to create a new transport
route across the Brazilian Amazons. In 1639, several years after
Silveira s, an expedition lead by Pedro de Teixeira was undertaken to
investigate the viability of a commercial route going through the
Brazilian Amazons.
The imprint begins describing the route followed by the Gold and
[ 121 ]
Silver from Peru before reaching Spain; Silveira considers it too long
and then tells of the dangers of Piracy off the coast of Panama saying
“con grande costa y peligro… en que las contrarias naciones estan peritas
en passer a la mar del Sur” and adding that this situation has been
increased by the discovery of the Strait of Saint Vincent. “In this petition Simao Estacio da Silveira offers his services, under certain conditions, to open up a new route for transporting silver from Peru to
Spain down one of the rivers of Maranhao. He writes of the dangers
of the route then in use, from Africa to Lima and Panama, especially
at that time, since the enemy had become very skilful in passing
through the Straits of Saint Vincent (Cape Horn) to the Pacific. He
stresses the advantages of the route through the Maranhao”. The
author emphasizes his point by referring to Drake s expedition
through the Magellan Strait. Then explains why the voyage is arduous
and dangerous, making a synthetic note of the route to be followed by
the ships, mostly through the Caribbean (Habana, Cartagena, etc.).
Just then, he addresses his petition, to open a new road of transport
through a river of the Marañon.
Silveira proceeds to explain his plan to develop his new transport
route with 7 conditions and steps, with an excellent level of detail. At
the end, makes a note of the possibility of building their own ships in
the region, provided the large amount of trees there found. Acuña
would later give a similar proposal.
borba de moraes, 814. palau, 313856, never saw it, but refers to an
imprint which appears to be the same work, sadly only refers
to it quoting the manuscript title of the binding, in the
national library of madrid.
[ 122 ]
[ 123 ]
51. An extraordinarily rare masterpiece of Indo-Persian
scientific publishing
singh, raja- ratan. Hada- iq-ul-Nujum
[Gardens of Astronomy].
Lucknow: Muhammadi Press, 1843. In 4to. Lithographically printed,
1158 pp., including 19 maps, 129 figures and 180 tables, text blocks and
all figures and tables border-lined in gilt and hand-color. Exquisite
contemporary Indian full calf binding, elaborated gilt tooled (internally very good, binding rubbed and separating at front hinge, but
still in tact). Some minor toning, overall an extremely fine copy.
This outstanding work is one of the most magnificent, and indeed, one
of the rarest printed works of the Indo-Persian intellectual culture which
dominated the Indian subcontinent from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century. It is the signature work of the greatest Indian astronomer
of his era, and is an entirely unique and ingenious synergy between the
most advanced European conceptions of the cosmos and those that prevailed throughout various parts of the Islamic and Hindu worlds.
Technically, it is also represents an exceedingly audacious endeavor of
early lithography in South Asia. Profusely illustrated, it is one of the
most impressive such works produced in Asia during its time.
Raj-a Ratan Singh (1782-1851) was one of the brightest stars on
the Indian intellectual firmament of the nineteenth-century.
He descended form a long line of scholars in the service of the
rulers of Awadh, located in the modern state of Uttar Pradesh.
In his own right, he was a great historian and astronomer and
possessed a command of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Sanskrit
- he endeavored
and English. By writing the Hada- iq-ul-Nujum
to describe “the celestial bodies, [the] solution of their astronomical problems according to the past and present European
scholars and also some researches of his own”.
[ 124 ]
[ 125 ]
[ 126 ]
Singh was superbly knowledgeable of the astronomical conceptions of
the greatest European luminaries, including Copernicus, Brahe,
Galileo, Kepler, Newton, as well as more recent figures such as
Herschel, Cassini and Laland. He was also well apprised of various
astronomical instruments, and made specific mention of the attributes of the Paris and Peking observatories. Curiously though, Singh
seems to have been unaware of Raja Swai Jai Singh’s observatories
built in 18th century India, in spite of the facts that their ruins still
prominently remained. He writes engagingly about various astronomical phenomena, notably the appearance of 106 individual comets,
including those fabled in history, as well as those observed by Singh
himself. He decisively asserts that the planetary system is heliocentric,
and explores the orbits of the various planets. He also discusses the
occurrence of meteorites, providing important details on those that
fell upon India in recent decades. Singh’s treatment of the subjects of
lunar and solar eclipse is most engaging, and his tables predicting
their occurrence from 1837 to 1900 is highly impressive.
Singh also shows an advanced knowledge of the conceptions of the
most prominent Islamic astronomers, as well as an appreciation for
the contribution of Hindu scholars to the discipline. Particularly
impressive is his analysis of the phrases in the Koran that allude to
aspects of astronomy.
Replete with a vast quantity of finely lithographed maps, diagrams
- was produced in three editions of
and tables, the Hada- iq-ul-Nujum,
1837, 1841 and 1843, the present example being of the third edition. In
spite of its great importance to Indo-Persian culture, the work in any
edition remains an extreme rarity, with no examples recorded as being
in western institutions.
Reference: S.M. Razaullah Ansan, ‘Raja Rajan Singh Zakhmi – A Litterateur,
Historian an Astronomer of the 19th century’, Proceedings of the
International Seminar on Contribution of the Persian Language to the
Composite Culture (Persian Department, AMU Aligarh, 2004), pp. 129-38.
[ 127 ]
52. Rare first edition of Sobreviela’s map, printed in Lima
sobreviela, manuel. Plan del curso de los Rios Huallaga y Vcayali y de
la pampa del Sacramento. 1791. Lima. Sociedad de Amantes del Pais
de Lima [Imprenta Real de los Niños Expositos]. Some minor toning.
320 mm x 440 mm.
First edition. A rare map of northeastern Peru printed in Lima to illustrate the Mercurio Peruano; it comprehends the region between Lima,
the Marañon, Huallaga and Ucayali Rivers. The map is embellished
by an iconographic representation of a local family of Indians, a cartouche dedicating the map to Carlos III and two cartouches in the
lower right and left corners, with the title and key. The key points out
the towns and settlements with a peculiar wealth of information,
marking where one might find the converted and unconverted
Indians, etc.
Sobreviela was a Spanish Priest and missionary, in 1785 he arrived to
Peru and soon made his way to the School of Ocopa; shortly his evangelizing endeavors paid off, when he became Guardian of Ocopa. His
position caused him to travel extensively throughout the region, gaining a remarkable awareness of the territory. That, combined with his
access to other cartographic sources by fellow missionaries, allowed
him to create a highly detailed map of a so-far vastly unexplored portion of Peru. Sobreviela’s notes and findings were published by him
and in the Mercurio Peruano.
The map was reedited in 1830, also in Lima, and is the edition normally —although also extremely scarce— found. This is only to say,
that this first edition is a remarkably rare finding.
not in medina, imprenta en lima.
[ 128 ]
[ 129 ]
53. Jesuits martyrdoms in Japan, first edition of Mastrili’s
life, extremely scarce
stafford, ignacio. Historia de la celestial vocacion, missiones apostolicas
y gloriosa muerte, del P. Marcelo Francisco Mastrili. 1639. Lisboa.
Antonio Alvarez. In 4to (198 mm x 138 mm). 3 ff. + frontispiece + 136.
Blue crushed morocco signed Brugalla, boards with gilt supralibros,
raised bands to spine lettered in gilt, inner dentelle. Upper corner of
about 30 ff. with tiny worm hole restored, mainly marginal, possibly
at time of binding; several inserted notes testifying it’s importance.
First edition. One of the rarest Jesuit relations; it narrates the life, missionary work and martyrdom of Father Marcelo Mastrili (1603-1637)
in Japan on Mount Unzen (outskirts of Nagasaki) under the
Tokugawa Shogunate. Mastrili had sailed to Japan with aims of reconverting the “fallen priest” Christovao Ferreira who had renounced his
faith. Ferreira (c. 1580-1650) was a Portuguese Jesuit missionary, he
worked in Japan from 1609 to 1633 and was the head of the Jesuit
Order in that country during the religious purges against Christianity
in 1633; after being tortured for hours, committed apostasy, subsequently changing his name to Sawano Chuan and registering at a
Buddhist temple.
Mastrili was arrested shortly after landing —the relation of his travesty towards Japan is also noted—; he was then submitted to torture
and beheaded. Mysticism did not elude Mastrili, he reported to having visions of St. Francis Xavier who cured him twice. Furthermore,
it contains accounts of missions to Goa, Mindanao and Japan.
Subjects include “La celestial vocacion a la mission de la India”, “La
apostolica misiondel P. Marcelo en la jornada de Mindanao”, “La entrada
en el Japon… tormentos y muerte gloriosa”. Engraved title with large
coat of arms, signed with monogram “AF?” and engraved frontispiece
[ 130 ]
showing the martyrdom of the Italian Jesuit Father Mastrili by the
hands of the local authorities. Stafford (1599-1642) was an English
Jesuit, historian and mathematician, he wrote an extensive treatise on
calculating instruments and several manuscripts relating to science.
The work’s rarity is considerable, with only two copies in public institutions in Spain (one defective) and no copies having appeared for
auction in the last 30 years.
palau, 321913 (“obra de estima en comercio”).
[ 131 ]
54. Giving an account of the discovery of the Marquesas
and the expedition to the Solomon Islands
suarez de figueroa, cristobal. Hechos de Don Garcia Hurtado de
Mendoza, Quarto Marques de Cañete. 1613. Madrid. Imprenta Real.
In 4to (200 mm x 132 mm). 8 ff. + 324. Eighteen century speckled
calf, boards with triple gilt fillet, floral cornerpieces, raised bands to
spine, tooled and lettered in gilt, minor weakening to hinges. A very
good copy, very fresh and clean, small paper repair to lower right corner of title page, manuscript notes to pp. 228 referring to the travels
of Mendaña to the Solomon Islands Macclesfield stamp to title and
following leaf.
First edition. A fundamental work for the history of Pacific exploration, South American dealing with pirates and the Spanish wars
against the Chilean Indians. Ostensibly a biography of Garcia
Hurtado de Mendoza (1535-1609), Governor of Chile and later
Viceroy of Peru from 1590-1596; his deeds during the early colonization of South America were documented in Ercilla y Zuñiga’s famous
poem La Araucana, where he is consistently attacked by its author in
regards to his treatment upon the natives of Chile and the brutality
used for the conquering of the nation. This work aims to rehabilitate
his memory. The Hurtado de Mendoza’s family had a firm position in
the Spanish colonial administration; his father was also Viceroy from
1556-1561. It was in fact due to his father’s appointment as Viceroy of
Peru that he began his career in South America. He sailed to Chile
along with Jeronimo de Alderete, who was to be the next Governor of
Chile, however he sickened and perished during the course of the
journey leaving the position vacant. A subsequent period of unrest in
regards as for who would be appointed as Governor of Chile was thus
originated. As imaginable, two bands swiftly emerged each with their
[ 132 ]
own candidate. The Viceroy of Peru decided in favor of none,
appointing his own son as Governor.
The work is rich in details of his periods as Governor of Chile and
Viceroy. As Governor, Don Garcia conquered considerable part of the
region against the brave Mapuche Indians; this was to be one of the
most cruel and savage of all wars of Chile during the colony and the
theme of the Araucana. He was so dedicated to the victory that during
his entire period as Governor he did not set foot in the Capital city.
Few works are so rich in details on these wars. It was also during his
term that several cities were founded and some re-founded.
It continues with his period as Viceroy, his most prolific one; the
[ 133 ]
amount of information therein contained is vast and can only be
regarded as a primary source of information on the struggles against
English pirates and Pacific exploration. Provides an account of Alvaro
de Mendaña’s second expedition to the Solomon Islands in 1595 (pp.
238-290) and the discovery of the Marquesas —originally named
Marquesas de Mendoza in his honor—, this work being the second
main printed source on the discovery, only after Morga’s Sucesos. As
Morga, Suarez de Figueroa also bases his information on the expedition on Quiros’ report. Historically it mentions Mendaña’s account of
discovery of the Solomons of 1567 (pp. 228-237). It was during
Mendaña’s second expedition to colonize the Solomon Islands and
explore the Southern Continent that he died; it was his chief pilot,
Quiros, who finally guided the survivors to safety in the Philippines.
Furthermore it mentions the encounters with Drake, Cavendish and
Hawkins. This later had sailed from Plymouth in 1593 on board the
Dainty, after raiding ports in Brazil he passed through the Strait of
Magellan, only to encounter the naval forces lead by Castro y de la
Cueva. During the battle Hawkings was wounded and taken prisoner
with condition of having safe-conduct back to his country. The condition agreed upon was not entirely honored, and he remained in
prison first in Lima and then in Madrid until 1602. This is a contemporaneous account and important for being one of the very few from
a Spanish point of view.
The work is extremely scarce, specially when complete, as this copy
—several lack the prologue of 8 pp., although a reason for this common issue has never been found. A second edition with an engraved
title was printed in 1616, also very rare. Alexander Dalrymple states in
his Historical Collection that he had “not been able to procure a copy
of Figueroa” until, when his first volume was in the press in 1769, he
acquired a copy “from Spain” and was able to add the final section to
his book.
palau, 323905. sabin, 93312. alden. 616/111. medina, chile 41.
[ 134 ]
55. A very complete copy, with a distinguished Provenance
thevenot, melchisedec. Relations de divers voyages curieux, qui nont
point este publiees. 1696. Paris. Thomas Moette. Two volumes in folio
(350 mm x 218 mm). A very difficult and tricky collation, available upon
request, but more complete than most copies, as mentioned by Brunet
(including the parts that would integrate the fifth part never published
and the rare fragments, see collation for details). Contemporary calf,
boards with fillets and centre with arms of James Lindsay, Earl of
Crawford; neatly rebacked to style, with raised bands, tooled and lettered
in gilt. Foxing spots and toning throughout, heav- ier to places, occasional soiling; folding maps generally in excellent condition but with a
few tears. Title page with ownership inscription of Charles de Lorraine.
Amongst travel collections, Thevenot’s occupies a distinguished place,
being one of the most complete and lavishly produced; its scope
includes Africa, the Far East, South East Asia, America, amongst other
places. The relation on Australia is certainly one of the most significant and primary sources of information on the Island.
The collection is also of great American interest; it contains Palafox’s
study on the natives, Acarette du Biscay’s relation of La Plata and
Gage’s relation, which includes an important passage on Mexico, and
is profusely illustrated. Asia and Africa are also well represented here,
with actually more than half of the first volume being dedicated to it.
Possibly the most important relation is that of Abel Tasman.
The illustration is composed of maps, views and plates; the maps
includes East Africa, the Indies, China, Hindustan, the Tasman map
of Australia in its second issue —with rhumb lines— and several others; the plates show costumes, plants, architecture and such. The
Tasman map is a cornerstone of Australian cartography, both as the
[ 135 ]
earliest obtainable map of the region as well as the predominant
depiction from which the World would know the Island for about a
century. The importance of this map, thus, can hardly be overstated.
An exceedingly difficult book to collate, “Bibliographers have expended
great pains on the collation of the Thevenot collection” (Catalogue of the
John Carter Brown Library, vol. III, 102); “Collection interessante, don’t
il est difficile de trouver des exemplaires complets” (Brunet). Thevenot’s
collection was published in parts and over roughly 10 years, thus almost
no copy is alike another. The first part went to the printer in 1663, the
second and third in 1666 and the fourth 1672, a fifth part was being prepared when death found Thevenot before completion. Sabin’s note is
very enlightening regarding this issue “It will be understood from this
that there really was only one edition of Thévenot, and as that edition
was completed only in 1696, the issue bearing that year on its general
title-page is ordinarily regarded as the standard for collation.” This collection has been collated against Brunet, for it appears the most comprehensive bibliography: “The standard authority on the work as a whole is
still the Mémoire sur la Collection des grands et petits Voyages, et sur la
Collection des Voyages de Melchisedech Thevenot, by A G. Camus,
Paris, 1802. Brunet gave a collation in which he added two pieces not
recorded by Camus.” (JCBL).
First volume: [First part] title; 5 ff. + folding plate (pyramid) + xxv
(verso of xxv with plate) [Description des pyramides d’ Egypte] + 1
plate; 52 [Relation des Cosaques et des Tartares & Relation de la
Colchide] + folding plan; 25 [Informatinone della Giorgia]; 17-29 &
36-40 (several foliation errors, complete); 1-12 + folding map of
Indoustan [Relation du Mogol]; 80 [Memoires de Th. Rhoe]; 30
(errors in foliation, pages 7 & 8 are replaced by a double page map of
Indoustan, as explained by Brunet); 24 [1-9 a Greek extract of
Cosmas’ voyage, 10 & 19-24 a description of the animals and plants
of the Indies, badly foliated but complete, as explained by Brunet];
folding map (Vera delineation Civitatis Bassora) + 2 plates with
[ 136 ]
[ 137 ]
inscriptions; 35 (with plate on verso of pp. 35) [Relation du royaume
de Golconda et journal de Floris]; 55 (erros in foliation) [Voyage de
Bontekoe] + large folding map of Hollandia Nova; [Second part]
title (dated 1672) + 5 ff. 20 [Remontrance de Peisart] + 60 (errors in
foliation) + 4 folding plates; folding map + 128 [Memoire du voyage
aux Indes Orientales, par Beaulieu]; folding map of the Indies + folding plate + 40 [Relation des Isles Philippines]; 16 [Also on the
Philippines]; 48 (pp. 45/46 replaced by a plate “Maniere de faire la
justice au Japon, as noted by Brunet, complete); 4 [Decouverte de la
decouverte de la terre d’ Eso]; missing the map of Pegu and Japan; 30
[Briefve relation de la Chine & Flora Sinensis, by Michel Boym] + 5
plates of plants (3 folding).
Second volume: [Third Part] title (dated 1696); 5 ff.; 31-68 [Voyage des
ambassadeurs de la Compagnie-Hollandoise] + 4 plates & folding
map; 28 [Route des Hollandois a Peking, Brunet explains how the map
to illustrate this part is bound in the preceding part, as in this copy];
221 (numerous errors in foliation, but complete, Brunet mentions 216)
& folding map of China; 12 [Rapport des directeurs de la Compagnie
Hollandoise]; [Fourth part] title + 1 ff.; 14 [L’ Indien, Palafox]; 24
[Voyage dans la Riviere de la Plate]; 24 [Grueber, with Chinese alphabet, verso of pp. 23 a plate]; 23 [Grueber, same as before in French]; 24
[ 138 ]
[Sinarum Scientia politico-moralis], dated 1672]; 16 [Histoire de la
Haute Ethiopie] + map and plate; 4 [Remarques sur la relation d’
Ethiopie]; 16 [Relation de Lobo de l’empire des Abyssins, with a plate
bound along with the Ethiopia map]; 8 [Decouverte de quelques pays];
4 [Relation du voyage du Sayd]; title [Histoire de L’ Empire Mexicain,
dated 1696 and mentioning Moette, some copies, without date, mention Cramoisy, Palau never saw this variant] + 58 (46 plates); 40
[Relation du Mexique by Gage]. Here ends the Fourth Part. This copy
contains several other relations, which are often lacking “On doit trouver, a la suite de cette 4 partie, les pieces suivantes, qui manquent en
totalite ou en partie dans beaucoup d’ exemplaires” (Brunet): 4
[Voyage d’Abel Tasman]; 12 [Instruction sur les vents entre les Pays-Bas
et l’ ile de Java]; 16 [Ambassade de S’chahrok]; 16 [L’ Asie de Barros];
76 [Synopsis chronologique Monarchiae Sinicae]; 2 ff. [Relation des
Chretiens de Saint-Jean]; 18 [Voyage de la Tercere de Chaste]; 34 (i.e.
32) [Elementa linguae Tartaricae]; includes the very rare fragments: the
Spanish on the Salomon Islands pp. 5-16 and the Asganii Sassonii
pp.17-48; as mentioned in Brunet (the complete relations were not
included), who also says that fragments usually lack in their entirety.
bibliotheca lindesiana iv, 8830- 8840. brunet, manuel du libraire
et de l’ amateur de livres, v, pp. 810-13. palau, 331563.
[ 139 ]
56. A large group of Torres Mendez’ lithographs
on Colombian Costumes
torres mendez, ramon. [Cuadro de Costumbres Colombianas]. c. 1860.
Paris. Delarue. In oblong folio (268 mm x 350 mm). 16 lithographed
plates. Later half blue morocco, spine lettered in gilt. Plates are in
excellent condition, with fresh color and wide margins.
A superb collection of lithographs, published in Torres Mendez’
Costumbres Colombianas. It is always found as a collection of plates,
with the number of plates varying from copy to copy, this being a particularly large collection. Torres Mendez (1809-1885) was born in
Bogota to a middle class family; from an early age he expressed interest in painting and caricature, an art that would have him spelled
from school after apparently ridiculing his teacher. Although no formal education was given, he worked as an apprentice at the lithographic workshop of Jaime Cowie. Torres Mendez is regarded as an
accomplished 19th century Colombian artist and iconographer for
local costumes and urban-life scenes. From his extant works we are
allowed a glimpse of 19th century Colombian life. He is also the
author of the Costumbres Neo-Granadinas.
Amongst the plates included in the album are: Juzgado Parroquial,
Conduccion del Correo (striking scene picturing peasants armed
escorting a mule with the mail), Carboneros de Choachi, Carnicero
de Bogota, Ollero de Tocancipa, Conduccion de Muebles, Arriero y su
Mujer, Entierro de un Niño, Romeria a Chiquinquira, Salida de la
Yglesia, Reyerta Popular, Indios Pescadores.
Provenance: gilt-stamped leather bookplate from Bernardo Mendel;
from the collection of Jacques Levy. Bookseller’s description on front
pastedown, likely early 20th century describing it as “A fine and rare
South American item.”
[ 140 ]
[ 141 ]
57. First edition, printed in Manila on rice paper,
of a cornerstone Tagalog Manual
totanes, sebastian de. Arte de la Lengua Tagala, y Manual Tagalog… compuesto Fray… hijo de la apostolica y seraphica Provincia de S. Gregorio
Magno, de Religiosos Descalzos de la Regular, y mas estrecha
Observancia de Nuestro Padre San Francisco de las Islas Philipinas. 1745.
Manila. Imprenta de Sampaloc, Convento de Nra. Señora de Loreto. In
4to (208 mm x 145 mm). 2 [blank] + 14 ff. + 135 + 2 ff. + 1 ff. + 218 + 2
ff. + 1 [blank]. Original vellum, ties present, slightly darkened and soiled,
hinges weakened and text block becoming loose, entirely genuine condition of its first binding. A few spots and toning, ff. 103 with long tear
restored a long time ago, overall a fine and fresh copy.
First edition. An exceptional copy in entirely genuine condition, hard
to find, specially considered the fragility of the paper on which it’s
printed. “This Arte by Father Totanes is considered the best of all the
writings by whose help the Spaniards learnt the Tagala language.
Taking it is a whole it is based on the work of father San José, whose
first edition was published in 1610; but as it was published so many
years later it also combines the various improvements introduced by
the Dominican and other writers… Being printed entirely on rice
paper, copies of this work are usually damaged or very badly wormed”
(Maggs Bros, Spanish Books, 1927). According to Retana, this is the best
of all manuals on the Tagalog language. It is today spoken by almost 25
million people in the Philippines —mostly—, Japan, Singapore,
Malaysia and Indonesia; nowadays, it is discussed if the Filipino language is nothing other than the Tagalog, with influence of English.
The Arte is a primary source to the language, and one of the most significant Asian printings of the 18th century in the field of linguistics.
Totanes (1688-1748) was a Spanish Franciscan Friar, born Sebastian
[ 142 ]
Gomez de Herrera, in Totanes (Toledo). When 17 years old, Totanes
entered the Franciscan Order, which would eventually take him to the
Philippines, at age 26. That he did on board the Virgen de Atocha, first
arriving to Mexico, and a year later —after teaching philosophy and
theology at the Convento de San Agustin— sailed from Acapulco
towards Manila. He resided in the Philippines for c. 30 years, working
with natives and eventually appointed Prior to the Convent of Manila.
Text in two columns, both title pages with typographical borders.
medina, la imprenta en manila, 219 (extensive note). palau 338005.
retana, 277. maggs, spanish books, 1032.
[ 143 ]
58. A fundamental work on the progress
of the Dominican Order in Ethiopia, a splendid armorial
binding and important provenance
urreta, luis (fr.). Historia de la Sagrada Orden de Predicadores en los
remotos Reynos de la Etiopia. 1611. Valencia. Juan Chrysostomo Garriz.
In 4to (204 mm x 142 mm). 8 ff. + 410 + 3 ff. Near contemporary calf,
boards with arms of Chancelier Pierre Seguier, on boards, his cipher on
spine, rebacked preserving spine; spine flat, tooled in gilt with the said
cipher, morocco lettering piece, some rubbing and edge-worn. A splendid copy extremely clean and bright, light uniform toning; manuscript
ownership inscription to title page “Stephanus Baluzius Tutelensis”.
First edition. A seminal work on the progress of the Orden de
Predicadores (Ordo Praedicatorum), known as the Dominican Order,
in Ethiopia; vast in details regarding the Saints, martyrs and missionaries active in the region, their experiences, hardships, evangelizing
and settling. The work is very well printed, and is illustrated with a
few woodcuts in text, some of allegorical nature. The Dominicans are
probably most famous for their active participation in the Holy
Inquisition; their efforts to counteract the heresy in Ethiopia and
introduce the Catholic faith however, are to be counted amongst the
most important to have been carried out.
Important provenance: the arms on boards are of Chancelier
Pierre Seguier, Comte de Gien Duc de Villemor (1588-1672); ownership inscription to title page “Stephanus Baluzius Tutelensis”,
also known as Etienne Baluze (1630-1718), a French scholar: he
worked as secretary to Pierre de Marca Archbishop of Toulouse,
later with Colbert, who appointed him to manage his vast library.
Rare, we can trace only one copy —this one— sold in 50 years,
at Sotheby’s, 1964.
olivier, 271 (4). palau, 345993. salva, 3417.
[ 144 ]
[ 145 ]
59. Anti-Semitism on the Wine Trade in the 17th century
[wine trade] [anti-semitism]. Der Wein Jud. Der Geitz ist eine Wurtzel
alles übels welches batt etliche geluffet und find vom glauben erre
gegangen und machen thnen selbs vil vergeblicher unrnbe. 1628.
Strassburg. J. van der Heyden. Minor toning, vertical tear restored,
top corners mounted, generally fine. 240 mm x 330 mm.
First edition, first issue, with the image facing left; an extremely rare
satiric anti-Semitic broadsheet focused on the Jewish monopoly of the
wine industry during the Thirty Years War. The print mocks the
Jewish trader by the use of images and exaggerations, and quotes cites
from the Bible against greed and other sins. The trader is sitting on a
barrel, which is being driven by a long-tailed daemon and pushed by
three animals —a lion, a bear and a fox— branded “Crudelitas”,
“Voracitas” and “Rapacitas” straight to a flaming door which represents
Hell; thusly in a way expressing the person on the cart is being driven
by those unfavourable qualities and that will eventually lead him to
condemnation. A group of farmers are walking behind the cart
trapped by a net hold by a fox sitting on the barrel. Harms suggested
that the picture on the left, showing the vintage year 1624, could be
understood as an allusion to the year in which the local Archbishop of
Trier had renewed the wine trade law for the Jewish merchants. The
print is striking, and the engraving bold.
Whatever the case, it is remarkable how the wine industry in the 17th
century was already so important, and the effect of its administration
and trading caused such an effect on the population.
The sheet is not signed, however a monogram SV (unknown
engraver) can be found on one of the barrels.
hollstein xiii a, pp. 76.
[ 146 ]
[ 147 ]
60. Authoritative account of the Jesuit missions
of Argentina, Brazil & Paraguay
xarque, francisco. Insignes misioneros de la Compañia de Jesus en la
Provincia del Paraguay. Estado presente de sus Missiones en Tucuman,
Paraguay, y Rio de la Plata. 1687. Pamplona. Juan Micon. In 4to (193
mm x 143 mm). 12 ff. + 432 —with errors in foliation. Contemporary
vellum, recased, spine lettered in ink, slightly soiled. Endpapers
renewed, paper flaw on title restored without loss, ownership inscription at lower margin, upper margin a little trimmed —however the
copies we have examined all present the same issue—, ownership
inscription to lower margin of title page, a fresh copy overall.
First edition. Xarque’s work is, along with Ruiz de Montoya’s
Conquista Espiritual del Paraguay (1639), one of the most relevant and
trustworthy sources of information on the history, progress, reality
and state of the Jesuit Missions in modern Northern Argentina,
Paraguay and South Brazil at the end of the 17th century. It also provides rich details on the life of the missionaries who dedicated themselves to the evangelization of the Guarani’s and native peoples; this
later aspect sheds light on ethnological aspects of one of the great
South American civilizations. His relation was virtually unmatched
until 1754 when Lozano published his Historia de la Compañia de Jesus
en la Provincia del Paraguay. It contains fresh information from contemporaneous accounts on what was a most successful Jesuit enterprise in South America.
Xarque (1609-1691) was a Jesuit Priest and missionary; he dedicated a
large portion of his life to the study of the Jesuit Reductions of
Paraguay, having written several works on the subject, such as “Vida
apostolica del venerable Padre Jose Cataldino” & “Vida prodigiosa, en lo
vario de los sucesos, exemplar… Padre Antonio Ruiz Montoya”. The
[ 148 ]
work contains several biographies, namely those of Fathers Simon
Mazeta (c. 1582 - c. 1656) and Francisco Diaz Taño (1593-1677).
Furthermore, it is rich in details as the location of the Jesuit
Reductions, the wars against Portuguese military expeditions —on
occasions slaving Indians to carry back to Brazil—, and the daily-life
of the Guarani’s.
Extremely rare, neither Salva nor Heredia had it, and Leclerc apparently never saw it. No copies have appeared at auction since 1964
besides this one. This variant is apparently the rarest of two, with the
title “Estado presente de sus missiones”, instead of “En todo presente”, and
the author’s name spelled correctly instead of “Xargue”.
sabin, 105716. borba de moraes, 947. palau, 123233.
[ 149 ]
[ 150 ]
61. Rare relation of a journey to the Orinoco River,
with interesting notes on Indian cannibalism in Venezuela
ximenez, fernando (fr.). Carta de un Padre Missionero. N.c. [ca. 1728].
In folio (304 mm x 202 mm). 1 ff. Red cloth folder. Entirely uncut,
excellent condition.
First edition. A remarkably rare letter signed at San Joachin, June 25th
1728, from Fr. Fernando Ximenez to Fr. Diego de Tapia. In it Ximenez
explains his passing to the Orinoco river, towards the Araguacayes,
explaining that is a 5 day journey from Guayana; he met the Caribes
(Venezuelan natives), as well as “Otomakos, Maypares, Palenques,
Curiquiquis, &c.” and notes how they had brought people to eat.
Ximenez carries on saying that he could not bare the smell of human
flesh. “This is the text of an interesting letter, dated from San Joachin,
28th June, 1728, and addressed to the Padre Comisario Frey Diego de
Tapia, reporting the progress of the mission in the vicinity of the River
Orinoco. The writer relates how disgusted and grieved he felt at the
behaviour of the Caribbees, who had been indulging in revolting cannibal practises… I could not convince them (of their sin) with the word of
God; and what heightened my regret was that these inhuman and unjust
practises should take place in our king’s dominions… suggests that a
community of Spaniards, Mulatoes, Negroes and half-castes should be
established on that part of the Orinoco, in order to keep the Caribbees
in subjection and facilitate their conversion.” (Maggs, 1928, Americana).
Ximenez addresses the letter to Fr. Diego de Tapia, autor of the
“Confessionario en Lengua Cumanagota, y de otras Naciones de Indios”;
Caulin, in his seminal “Historia Chorografica Natural y Evangelica de la
Nueva Andalucia” mentions extensively Father Ximenez.
not in sabin. not in palau. we have been unable to trace any institutional copies. not in ccpbe. not in worldcat.
[ 151 ]
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Travel & Exploration
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