Charlevoix, Francois J (3 results)

No Binding. Condition: VG. J. A. O'Neill (illustrator). Sized about 9 x 5, printed on light-gauge glossy paper, from an engraving by J. A. O'Neill.

Encuadernación de tapa dura. Condition: Muy bien. 1ª Edición. 8vo, 6 vols, 390, (2); 476; 409, (1); 414, (1); 461, (2); 460, pp. Uniformly bound in original noted cartonee, red edges, title inked in the spine, with seven maps and plans by Bellin, Valuable history of the Jesuit missions in portions of what is now Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and the Argentine provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Corrientes, Misiones, and part of Santa Fe. This work contains a complete history of the establishment of the Jesuit's near imperial rule of this area until their expulsion in 1769. This history was translated into both English and German, and along with the works of Pedro Lozano comprises an essential source on the history of the Chaco and their Indian tribes. Charlevoix's work is considered the most complete and satisfactory work on Paraguay, and the only one in which the vast system of the Jesuits is fully developed. Pierre François Xavier de Charlevoix, S.J. ( 1682 - 1761) was a French Jesuit priest, traveller, and historian, often considered the first historian of New France. He had little interest for "a life of suffering and deprivation for the conversion of Indian souls", but "an eager curiosity concerning life". Many places are named after him, the region of Charlevoix near Quebec City is one, as are Charlevoix County and its county seat Charlevoix, Michigan in the state of Michigan. The Montreal Metro has a station named after him. Provenance : Federico Vogelius copy with his Ex-libris in Vol 1.

First edition. 3 vols. 28 maps (most folding) and 96 plates. Half title in each volume. 4to. Contemporary mottled calf, red gilt morocco labels, ornate gilt spines. Third volume with minor chipping at head of spine. Contemporary bookplate at head of each half title, later institutional stamp on each front fly leaf and half title. Internally bright and clean. Overall a handsome set in very good condition. [8], xxvi, 664; [4], xv, [1], 502, lxi, [3], 503-582, 56; [4], xix, [1], xiv, 543pp. Paris, A classic work of Canadian history including important material on the French settlements in the Mississippi Valley. Charlevoix?s own voyage saw him navigate an epic journey from Quebec to Saint-Domingue via the Saint Lawrence and Mississippi Rivers. The present work draws on Charlevoix?s own experiences as well as those of many other authors, making it the most comprehensive contemporary work on the French colonies in the Americas. The journal consists of thirty-six letters, six of which concern the southern colonies. ?The principal work of this great Jesuit traveller and historian and the pre-eminent authority on the French period in the West? (Howes). ?This work is one of the best authorities concerning various Indian tribes, some of which no longer exist. The laborious accuracy with which the work was executed can be estimated by the fact that the maps, dated 1743, are marked with the latest discoveries, in 1742, in the extreme north of America? (Lande). Most of the maps in this work were drawn by French cartographer Nicholas Bellin, including his important map of North America, a frequent source for later mapmakers, as well as some of the most definitive and up-to-date maps available of Canada. Besides its great importance as an historical and cartographical work, Charlevoix is also of considerable interest for the section entitled ?Description des Plantes Principales de l'Amerique Septentrionale,? which occupies the first fifty-six pages of the second volume. Here the author describes ninety-six plants, mainly ones native to Canada, but including herbs of the Mississippi Valley as well. Most of the plants described are of medicinal value. The text is accompanied by twenty-two folding plates illustrating all ninety-six species discussed. Greenly Michigan, 11; Howes, C307 ?b?; Lande, 125; Sabin, 12135; TPL, 4697; Wheat TransMississippi, 120.