Standard work on the history of the Azores

Cordeiro, António. Historia insulana das ilhas a Portugal sugeytas no Oceano Occidental [...].

€ 3,500.00

First edition of the standard work on the history of the Azores. Describes the discovery and characteristics of each island of the archipelago and gives an account of the most prominent Azorean families, including the author's own. In addition, this seminal work includes chapters on the Canaries, Cape Verde Islands and Madeira, as well as references to Brazil and the Americas. The section on Madeira includes an account of the introduction of sugarcane from Sicily and the development of the industry.

Prepared by the Jesuit priest António Cordeiro (1641-1722), a native of Terceira, who derived much of his material from the 16th century "Saudades da Terra" by the historian Gaspar Frutuoso (ca. 1522-91).

Pagination jumps from 327 to 338, text remaining continuous.

Extremities slightly rubbed; small portion of calf torn off each board near lower margin. Repaired tear to lower margin of pp. 11f.

Not seen at auction since 2004.