[xxviii], 344 pp. Copperplate engraved portrait. (8vo) 20x15 cm (8x6"), original full vellum, inked spine title, one of two of the original leather ties. First Edition, First Issue, with "PRO" catchword at end of index.
Original title page lacking; a manuscript facsimile in ink is bound in, bearing the title: Relacion Historica de la Vida Y Apostolicas Tareas del V.P.F. Junipero Serra, Misionero Apostolico Del Colegio De Propaganda Fide De Megico." Lacking map. The first biography of the founder of the California Missions. “Miguel José Serra, a native of Petra, on the island of Mallorca, was born Nov. 24, 1713. He took the Franciscan habit in 1730, assuming the name of Junípero, and until 1749 devoted his life in preparation for missionary work. He reached Mexico Dec. 6, of that year, and began immediately the arduous spiritual labors that ended only with his death. His early work in Mexico was for a time in the missionary field of the Sierra Gorda, and later in the College of San Fernando. In 1769, he arrived at San Diego in Alta California, and at that place, on July 17, he founded the first California mission. From this time he was indefatigable, founding many missions, and traveling many miles, always on foot. His end came on Aug. 28, 1784, at San Carlos, the beloved mission that he found June 3, 1770. His closest friend and biographer, Padre Paloú, says of him, that ‘his laborious and exemplary life is nothing but a beautiful field decked with every class of flowers of excellent virtues’”-- Cowan. From the library of Joseph Gregg Layne, the esteemed California bibliographer, with his bookplate on front pastedown. Cowan, 1914 ed., pp.171-72; Howes P56; Zamorano 80 #59.
Condition:
Soiling and toning to vellum, lacking one clasp; inked facsimile title page, lacking map, residue on front endpapers where a plate has been removed, worm damage at gutter to leaves at front of volume with no loss to text; about very good.