José de Acosta, 1589

Natural History of the New World
José de Acosta, 1589
ACOSTA, José de (1539-1600). De natura novi orbis libri duo et de promulgatione evangelii, apud barbaros, sive de procuranda indorum salute libri sex. Salamanca: Guillermo Foquel, 1589.

Early account by "one of the first Europeans to provide a detailed image of the physical and human geography of Latin America" (DSB). A reissue of the 1588 edition discussing the New World and some early uses of New World plants. Sabin calls this 1589 issue "the original edition," but according to the New York Public Library catalog it consists of the same sheets as the 1588 edition except for the title and preliminary leaves. Acosta was a Jesuit who in 1572, at his own request, was sent to the New World. After fourteen years in Peru, ultimately becoming the second provincial of the Jesuit order, he traveled to Mexico before returning to Spain. De procuranda is one of the first published works recording contemporary European concepts of barbarity and programs for "civilizing" natives. Acosta’s catechism in Quechua and Aymara, published in 1583, was the first book printed in Peru. Alden & Landis 589/1; JCB I:315; Sabin 118.

Octavo (164 x 101mm). Errata leaf; title and colophon of De procuranda indorum both dated 1588 (toning and some dampstains; paper repairs on title page and a few other leaves). Modern mottled sheep, boards and spines gilt. Provenance: old ownership stamps (removed on title and final leaf) – 17th-century ownership inscription on title page – S[an] Fernando (branded on top edge) – Joaquín Cortina Goribar (1906-1991, Mexican historian; bookplate).