Heading:
Author: Semedo, Alvaro
Title: The history of that great and renowned monarchy of China. VVherein all the particular provinces are accurately described: as also the dispositions, manners, learning, lawes, militia, government, and religion of the people. Together with the traffick and commodities of that countrey
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed by E. Tyler for Iohn Crook
Date Published: 1655
Description:

2 parts in 1, continuously paginated. [10], 308 + [2] ad pp. With 3 copper-engraved plates (including frontispieces to each part); 2 copper-engraved maps, 1 of them folding. (Folio) 29x18 cm (11¼x7"), early calf, possibly rebacked or recased a bit later. First Edition in English.

Important account of China, its various provinces, inhabitants, government, military affairs, the propagation of the Gospel, and the labors of the Jesuits. The author, a Portuguese, "resided twenty two yeares at the court, and other famous cities of that kingdom." The second part, "Bellum tartaricum, or The conquest of the great and most renovvned empire of China, by the invasion of the Tartars, ... written originally in Latine by Martin Martinius." has separate dated title page, with imprint "printed for John Crook," on leaf 2K2r. The folding map, "An Exact Mapp of China, being faithfully copies from one brought from Peking by a Father lately resident in that City," has vignettes of the King of China, and a man and a woman. It has a 5" stub tear with neat repair just visible on verso. Cox Vol. I, p.323; Wing S2490. With occasional old ink marginalia.

Minor wear to covers, spine head chipped, all but a fragment of the label missing; very good or better.