PBA Galleries

3 volumes (of eventually 4). xliv, 355; xvi, 400; xvi, 430 pp. 2 engraved folding maps and 8 engraved folding plates. (8vo) 22x14 cm (8¾x5½") later half vellum and marbled boards, morocco labels lettered in gilt, top edges gilt. First Editions.

"An important work on the manners and customs of the Indians of Venezuela and Colombia. The first volume describes the Province of Orinoco, the second the manners and customs of the aborigines; the third the native language." (Maggs Bros., Cat. 612, 1935). A fourth volume, not present here, was published in 1784. "The author was one of the Jesuits banished to America, with the rest of his order, in 1767. Charles III. honored him with a pension for having vindicated, in this work, the Spanish government from the attacks of foreigners. The third volume, which relates to the language of the Aborigines, is often referred to by philologists." (Sabin). Very rare, no copies appear in recent auction records. Sabin 27382.