Martini, Martino

FIRST FRENCH EDITION, 2 volumes, 12mo (161 x 90mm.), 14 engraved plates, woodcut head- and tailpieces, contemporary calf, spine tooled in gilt with raised bands, speckled edges, extra leaf from vol. 1, erroneously bound into vol. 2 (pp.287-88), some spotting and browning, offsetting from some plates, small tear to kvi3, light wear to bindings

Cordier, Sinica 580; Lust 442; Löwendahl 120

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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 French edition of the Jesuit missionary Martino Martini's Sinicae historiae decas prima, from 1658. "One of the first works to outline the problem posed of Chinese history to the biblically-based chronology of the Europeans and especially to that based on the Vulgate" (Löwendahl).