- 335
Molina, Alonso de.
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Vocabulario de lengua castellana y mexicana. Mexico: Antonio de Spinosa, 1571
- Paper
2 parts in one volume, second edition, folio (270 x 190mm.), woodcut arms on title of part I, large woodcut of St Francis on title of part II, woodcut device on V10, modern tan crushed morocco gilt by J. May, slipcase [Icazbalceta (1954) 68; Medina (Mexico) 65; Palau 174352; Sabin 498671], small oval blind stamp of the American Antiquarian Society on both titles, library stamp of T. Felipe on title, part I title restored along fore-margin, a few headlines cropped or shaved, a few small wormholes neatly filled, numerous marginalia thoughout in various contemporary and seventeenth-century hands, signatures of previous owners on title of part I, slightly browned
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Rare complete copy of this edition of the first dictionary of any Amerindian language to be published in America.
Alonso de Molina was an early immigrant to Mexico, arriving in 1522 as the child of conquistadores; he was the first priest to be ordained in America and, with his knowledge of Nahuatl (the language spoken by the Aztecs) served the Franciscans as an interpreter. The first edition of the dictionary (1555) had been inspired by the need for the friars to be able to translate their religious message into the indigenous language. With this second, enlarged edition, Molina sought to broaden the dialogue with the Indians and included for the first time a dictionary of Nahautl into Spanish.
This copy is particularly interesting because of the numerous manuscript addenda by successive early owners, many of whom have signed their names. These include additions to the dictionary, for example the Nahautl word for printing press, and comments on grammar which shed light on the evolution of the language during this period.
Alonso de Molina was an early immigrant to Mexico, arriving in 1522 as the child of conquistadores; he was the first priest to be ordained in America and, with his knowledge of Nahuatl (the language spoken by the Aztecs) served the Franciscans as an interpreter. The first edition of the dictionary (1555) had been inspired by the need for the friars to be able to translate their religious message into the indigenous language. With this second, enlarged edition, Molina sought to broaden the dialogue with the Indians and included for the first time a dictionary of Nahautl into Spanish.
This copy is particularly interesting because of the numerous manuscript addenda by successive early owners, many of whom have signed their names. These include additions to the dictionary, for example the Nahautl word for printing press, and comments on grammar which shed light on the evolution of the language during this period.