Breton, Raymond (1609-1679).

Ibid. Dictionaire françois-caraibe. Auxerre: G. Bouquet, 1666, 415, [1]pp., without the inserted signature à⁴



Ibid. Grammaire caraibe. Auxerre: G. Bouquet, 1667, 135, [1]pp.



Ibid. Petit catechisme, ou sommaire des trois premières parties de la doctrine chrestienne. Traduit du françois, en la langue des caraibes insulaires. Auxerre: G. Bouquet, 1664, 70, [2 (blank)] pp., parallel French and Carib text



4 works in one volume, 8vo (156 x 106mm.), illustration: woodcut crucifixion on p.16 of final work with Latin exhortation below, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, binding: contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt in compartments, binding slightly rubbed, upper joint partly split

Sabin 7740 & 7741; JCB iii, pp. 123, 140, 151 & 108; Alden & Landis 665/20, 666/12, 667/20 & 664/31   

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

first editions, all extremely scarce. The present four works relating to the Carib language were written for the instruction of young priests preparing for missionary work in the West Indies. Raymond Breton was a Dominican missionary who spent twenty years from 1635 in the French West Indies working for the Antilles missions, spending much of his time alone amongst the Indians and acquiring skill in their languages. After his return to France he instructed new missionaries and wrote the present works. He also left in manuscript a history of the early years of the Dominican missions among the Caribbean Indians, written at the request of the general of the order.

Some copies of the Dictionaire françois-caraibe contain an inserted gathering à⁴ containing two letters which begin, 'A Monsieur Claude André Lecler' and 'Aux Révérends Pères Missionaire'.