Tellez, Balthazar

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, folio (295 x 190mm.), printed titles in red and black, engraved additional titles, errata leaf at end of volume 1, 2 additional pages inserted between p.232 and 233 in volume 2 forming an additional chapter 51, modern blind-stamped calf, spines gilt, red edges, text with occasional browning or staining, vol.1 with repairs to corners at beginning and end and at pp.123-166 (all in blank margins), engraved title soiled, 3F4-5 transposed, vol.2 H5 torn in corner with loss of a few letters, and tear in 2G3-4 with loss of a few letters

Borba de Moraes p.852; Palau 329454-5

The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

RARE. The only copy we have traced at auction in the last forty years was the Phillipps copy sold in these rooms as part of the Lionel Robinson collection, 26 June 1986, lot 239.

An important source for the history of Jesuit missions during the sixteenth century in Brazil, Africa (Congo, Angola, Ethiopia, etc.), India, and elsewhere in the east.

"This work is a classic for the information it gives about the first Jesuits in Brazil, and is very rare. Absolutely complete copies, with the two frontispieces and the supplementary chapter 51 [as in this copy], are very rare" (Borba de Moraes).