Semedo, Alvaro

FIRST EDITION? (see footnote), 8vo (190 x 130mm.), contemporary calf, spine gilt with red morocco label, paper flaw in K2 with loss of a few words, occasional slight spotting or staining, a few ink marks to title, binding restored

Löwendahl 94; Lust 73 (both for the second edition in Spanish, published by the same publisher in the same year as the first edition)

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."

Semedo was the Portuguese Procurado General for China. "This account of China, its various provinces, inhabitants and their manners and customs, government and military art, the propagation of the Gospel, and more particularly the labours of the Jesuits, was written to secure support for the Jesuit mission there" (Löwendahl).

A number of authorities record a Portuguese edition of this work, published either in Madrid in 1641, or Lisbon in 1642, but Löwendahl was unable to locate copies of either and believed that no Portuguese translation appeared before 1956, meaning that this is the first edition. THIS EDITION IS RARE.