2 parts in 1, continuously paginated. [10], 308 + [2] ad pp. With 3 copper-engraved plates (including frontispieces to each part); 2 copper-engraved maps, 1 of them folding. (folio) 11¼x7, modern calf in antique style. First Edition in English.
Important account of China, its various provinces, inhabitants, government, military affairs, the propagation of the Gospel, and the labors of the Jesuits. The author, a Portuguese, "resided twenty two yeares at the court, and other famous cities of that kingdom." The second part, "Bellum tartaricum, or The conquest of the great and most renovvned empire of China, by the invasion of the Tartars, ... written originally in Latine by Martin Martinius." has separate dated title page, with imprint "printed for John Crook," on leaf 2K2r. The folding map, "An Exact Mapp of China, being faithfully copies from one brought from Peking by a Father lately resident in that City," has vignettes of the King of China, and a man and a woman. It has a 5" stub tear with paper repair on verso. Cox Vol. I, p.323; Wing S2490. Provenance: A Northern California private collector.