PBA Galleries

[38], 456, [4] pp. Title page printed in black and red; text in two columns. Engraved portrait of Father Margil preaching to a group of Native Americans gathered in prayer by Joaquin Sotomayer. (4to) 20x15 cm (8x6") period full vellum, spine lettered in an early hand. First Edition.

The preferred issue of the title page, printed in red and black with "Santo" on line 10 and "Con Licencia" in the first line of the imprint. Pages 426 and 427 in their uncensored state. Biography of the celebrated Franciscan missionary Antonio Margil de Jesus, including much on his role in the establishment of three Texas missions from 1716 to 1719. The author was a participant with Margil in the establishment of the most successful of the Texas missions, San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo in San Antonio. Considered by some to be the most famous missionary to serve in Texas, in contrast to Father Serra in California, Margil is thought to have been gentle in his conversion of of the native populations of Texas, Mexico and Central America. Margil is known as the Apostle of Guatemala. The engraved portrait of Margil is thought to be among the earliest pictorial depiction of a person outstanding in Texas history. Graff 1260; Howes E184; Jenkins, Basic Texas Books 59A; Medina 3461; Palau 82703; Sabin 22898; Wagner, Spanish Southwest 102. Oval ink stamp on title page of Francisco Plan Carte, Obispo de Campeche on title page.