Africa Portuguesa

Tomo Unico [with] Imperio de la China [with] Retrato de Manuel de Faria y Sousa.

First edition. Small folio. Later quarter morocco, sunned. [vi], 207, [11]index, xviii, 252, [xvi], 103pp. Lisbon, 1681, 1731,

A significant volume containing the final part of the author's great history of the Portuguese Empire. "This account of the Portuguese possessions in Africa is a compilation... It gives a narrative of various expeditions along the coasts, and deals principally with North African territories" (Mendelssohn). Also included here is a later edition of Imperio de la China. Originally published in 1642, the text is based largely on information provided by P.A. Semmedo. The volume is completed by Retrato de Manuel de Faria y Sousa by Porcel. The work is both a biography and bibliography of Faria y Sousa.

The author was both a historian and poet. His controversial work Epitome de las historias Portuguezas placed him at odds with the inquisition. As a result, he was briefly incarcerated and suffered the permanent loss of his official salary. His life's work then became a comprehensive history of Portuguese activity across the globe. After his death, the three completed parts were published, Africa Portuguesa, Europa Portuguesa and Asia Portuguesa. Mendelssohn I, p534; Palau, 86693.

Stock Code: 197152