Lot 201 email save

First Edition of Palou's Life

Sign In to see what this sold for

Title: Relacion Historica de la Vida y Apostolicas Tareas del Venerable Padre Fray Junipero Serra...
Author: Palou, Francisco
Description: [xxviii], 344 pp. Copperplate engraved portrait; folding map supplied in facsimile. (4to) 7¼x5¼, full period calf with raised bands stamped in gilt, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, top edge red, marbled endpapers. First edition, first issue (with "car" catchword at end of index).The first biography of the founder of the California Missions. "Miguel José Serra, a native of Petra, on the island of Mallorca, was born Nov. 24, 1713. He took the Franciscan habit in 1730, assuming the name of Junípero, and until 1749 devoted his life in preparation for missionary work. He reached Mexico Dec. 6, of that year, and began immediately the arduous spiritual labors that ended only with his death. His early work in Mexico was for a time in the missionary field of the Sierra Gorda, and later in the College of San Fernando. In 1769, he arrived at San Diego in Alta California, and at that place, on July 17, he founded the first California mission. From this time he was indefatigable, founding many missions, and traveling many miles, always on foot. His end came on Aug. 28, 1784, at San Carlos, the beloved mission that he found June 3, 1770. His closest friend and biographer, Padre Paloú, says of him, that 'his laborious and exemplary life is nothing but a beautiful field decked with every class of flowers of excellent virtues'"-- Cowan. From the library of Joseph Gregg Layne, the esteemed California bibliographer, with his bookplate on front pastedown. Cowan, 1914 ed., pp.171-72; Howes P56; Zamorano 80 #59.
Heading: Place Published: Mexico
Publisher: Felipe de Zúñiga y Ontiveros
Date Published: 1787