OVALLE, Alonso de (1601–1651). Histórica relación del Reyno de Chile. Rome: Francisco Cavallo, 1646.

First and most complete edition of Ovalle’s monumental history of Chile. Published in both Spanish and Italian by Cavallo at Rome in 1646, Alondo de Ovalle’s work is considered among the most important histories of Chile written, and one of the best illustrated South American texts of the 17th century. The Spanish edition contains more illustrations than the Italian, specifically of the Spanish figures who conquered and governed Chile. The half-title, not present here, is only know to exist in two or three copies. Rare, only four copies have appeared at auction in the past 60 years. Sabin 57972.

Folio (250 × 185mm). Folding engraved map of Chile, 35 engraved plates, 2 engraved part titles, 18 full-page woodcuts, woodcut initials (without half-title as usual, light stains and soiling, marginal hole in N1, paper flaws in 2H2 and 2S4 affecting text, wormholes in quires 2H–2K affecting text, small tears in 3H3–4 and 3K3, small tears in few plates, large partially-repaired tear in map). Contemporary vellum, evidence of two fore-edge ties (light discoloration, few small stains). Provenance: Society of Jesus, Montilla (contemporary inscription on title-page) – Episcopal Library of Córdoba (17th/18th-century inscription on title-page).