[FIFTEENTH JESUIT RELATION] – LALEMANT, Jérôme (1593-1678) and Paul RAGUENEAU (1608-1680). Relation de ce qui s'est passé de Plus Remarquable és Missions des Pères de la Compagnie de Jésus, En La Nouvelle France, es Années 1645 & 1646. Paris: Sebastien & Gabriel Cramoisy, 1647.

First edition, second issue, of the 15th Jesuit relation. The Jesuit Relations on New France are the most important primary sources for 17th-century Canadian history. Written for the purpose of promoting the missions and garnering aid for the Jesuit project in North America, the Relations provide accounts of First Nations communities, the history of the Beaver Wars, the activities the Ursuline and Augustinian Hospitaler nuns and their famous school and hospital, and the routes and discoveries of various explorers in the region.

The present, 15th Relation, is the first one transmitted by Jérôme Lalemant, who had become Superior General of the Canadian missions in 1645 after many years at the Huron mission, whose reports he authored. He was succeeded at the Huron mission by Father Paul Ragueneau, who here begins his authorship of the accounts of that mission. This Relation describes Isaac Jogues's "Mission of the Martyrs" in Iroquois country, on which he and Jean Bourdon became the first Europeans to reach what is now known as Lake George. At the Huron mission, Ragueneau reflects that the strictness of the earlier missionaries was not appropriate, writing on the importance of flexibility on cultural differences in order to accomplish their goals. Bell 31 (second or "tapoue nama" issue); Church 481A; McCoy 62; Sabin 38684.

Two parts in one volume, octavo (175 x 108mm). Woodcut printer's device on title. 19th-century stiff vellum, morocco title label on spine (rear pastedown torn). Provenance: Ernest E. Keet (bookplate).