Portugal - Lot 513

Portugal LAFITEAU (Joseph François) History of the discoveries and conquests of the Portuguese in the New World. Paris, Saugrain ; Coignard, 1733. 2 volumes in-4: 3f, XXIV, 616pp, 24f (tables) / 1f, 693pp, 44f (table); illustrated with a frontispiece engraved by Scotin, and 14 plates hors texte (7 + 7), one of which is folding. Missing folding map. Light staining in angular margins at foot. Good margins. ½ vellum, smooth spines, red title-pieces, black tomaisons, one spine split, light rubbing, marbled edges. This work deals with Portuguese discoveries, especially in Africa and Asia. However, the Jesuit Lafitau (Bordeaux 1631-1746) did not travel to these regions, but only to North America, where he became an observer of the Amerindians and tried to combat the sale of alcohol. An important and esteemed work.