[Lobo, Jeronymo]

First Italian edition, 8vo (156 x 100mm.), engraved frontispiece and folding map of the Nile, later half calf over marbled boards, lower outer corner with small marginal stains and small marginal wormholes, and with a few neat minor repairs, slight adhesion marks to frontispiece

cf. Blackmer 1022 (English edition); cf. Hilmy I, 390

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."

One of the most important and earliest sources on Ethiopia and the Nile. Lobo (1595-1687), a Jesuit priest, stayed in Ethiopia, mostly in Tigre, for nine years and travelled to Lake Tana and the Blue Nile, reaching the province of Damot, and leaving the country only when the Jesuits were expelled.

"The first edition [of this work] appeared in 1669 when Wyche translated the Portuguese manuscript brought to London by Sir Robert Southwell, who acquired it from Lobo himself at Lisbon. The whole work was not printed until 1728, when a complete manuscript account of Lobo's travels in Africa, 1624-32, was discovered by Legrand, who translated it into French" (Blackmer).