SAGARD-THEODAT, Gabriel (fl. 1623-1629). Le Grand voyage du pays des Hurons, situé en l'Amerique vers la mer douce, és derniers confins de la Nouuelle France, dite Canada. - Dictionaire de la langue Huronne, necessaire a ceux qui n'ont l'intelligence d'icelle. Paris: Denys Moreau, 1632.

First edition of one of the most “important of the early works on the North American Indians, and the first printed Huron vocabulary” (Church). Gabriel Sagard-Theodat was a French Recollect missionary who departed Paris in March of 1623 with Nicolas Viel, on foot, without money or substantial supplies as was the custom. They arrived in Quebec on 28 June 1623. Sagard proceeded along the Ottawa River and across the portages to Georgian Bay where a mission to the Hurons had been founded in 1615 by Joseph Le Caron. While on his way, he learned the rudiments of the Huron language so that he could begin catechizing and baptizing on his arrival. He was permitted to return to Quebec for provisions in the spring of 1624, and told the Huron that he intended to return. He never did, however, as he was ordered to return to France. It was there he wrote the present work.

Not only is this work the first religious history of Canada, but it also records Huron customs and ways of life, and the flora and fauna of the country. “It is a brilliant, astonishingly precise fresco." (DCB). Sabin notes that "copies are rarely found in good condition, and perfect in every respect.” Alden & Landis 632/86; Arents Tobacco 181; Bell Jesuit Relations, p. 247; Church 421; Harrisse Nouvelle France, 52-53; Pilling Iroquoian, p. 147; Sabin 74883 and 74881.

Two volumes, bound separately. Voyage: Octavo (168 x 104mm). Engraved additional title-page. Blanks Aa7-8 present. (Mild toning and a few scattered spots, engraved title is trimmed close at bottom edge just touching neat line.) 18th-century calf (worn, cover detached, removed bookplate from front flyleaf). Dictionaire: Octavo (170 x 104mm). Modern vellum. Provenance: Ernest E. Keet (bookplate in second volume).