Jesuit letters [Diáz, Manuel, Wenceslaus Pantaleo Kirwitzer, and Nicolas Trigaut]

FIRST EDITION, small 8vo (157 x 103mm.), woodcut Jesuit device on title, contemporary vellum, some slight browning towards end

Cordier, Sinica 813; Löwendahl 67

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."

“Diáz reports in the attacks against the Ming loyalists in Liaodong… and the flight of the Jesuits in the north from the Manchu invaders. Kirwitzer tells of the return of Trigault… to Macao in 1620, the extension of the Manchu invasion, and the heavy losses of the Chinese and Korean defenders. Trigault, writing from north of Nanjing, tells of the death of the Wanli emperor, the succession crisis that followed, the military setbacks and losses being suffered on the northern frontier, and the Jesuit plan to extend their missionary efforts to Korea” (Löwendahl).