2 volumes. [20], 455; [8], 387 pp. With 8 copper-engraved illustrations on four plates; folding copper-engraved map of California. 190.5x12 cm. (7¾x4¾"), period full calf, rebacked with later calf, morocco lettering pieces, new endpapers. First Edition in English
One of the cornerstones of the study of California history, called the "First attempt at a history of California. Based, by the anonymous editor, Father Andres Marco Burriel, on Venegas 1739 MS., but incorporating information from other sources..." - Howes. Cowan calls the work "the foundation of a library of Californiana." The map, "An Accurate Map of California, drawn by the Society of Jesuits," engraved by J. Gibson for this English edition, is the same as that in the 1757 three-volume Spanish first edition, but without the vignettes surrounding the map. Wheat notes it as "a well-drawn map, showing the missions and Indian towns of Pimeria Alta..." Cowan p.658; Hill, Pacific Voyages, p.307; Howes V69; (Wheat, Transmississippi 138, Vol. I p.85); Zamorano 80 #78.
Condition:
Rubbing and edge wear to covers, corners showing; marginal darkening to prelim. and latter leaves (including frontispieces) from the leather used in binding, most pronounced in second volume, frontispiece of Vol. I laid on backing sheet, map with 2" stub tear with earlier cloth tape repair on verso, overall very good.