À Portugal: During his TRAVELS for the space of one and twenty years in The Kingdoms of Ethiopia, China, Trataria, Cauchinchina, Calaminham, Siam, Pegu, Japn, and a great part of the East-Indiaes. With a Relation and Description of most of the Places thereof; their Religion, Laws, Riches, Customs, and Government in the time of Peace and war. Written Originally by himself in the Portugal tongue, and Dedicated to the Majesty of Philip king of Spain. Done into English by H. C. Gent. LONDON, Printed by F. Macock, 1653.

In fólio de 28x19 cm. Com [xiv], 326 pags.

Encadernação recente inteira de pele ao gosto da época.

Folha de rosto impressa negro e vermelho.

1.ª edição inglesa. Muito rara.

 Binding: full calf 18th century replica finely gilt at spine.

Titlepage is a two-color printing (black and red).

First edition of the Peregrinação [Pilgrimage] in English language.

Mendez Pinto (1509-1583) was a Portuguese adventurer, a soldier, sailor, merchant, doctor, missionary and ambassador. He embarked to India in 1537 in a fleet commanded by the son of Vasco da Gama and traveled for 21 years, fought and traded in China, Tartary, Pegu and the neighboring countries, sailing in every sea. Mendes Pinto went to the mouth of the Mekong River and was in Japan before the arrival of St. Francis Xavier. He became later his friend and traveling companion. He traveled extensively in Asia between 1537 and 1557. In 1542 he landed in Japan and gained the favor of a feudal lord, to whom they claim to have given the first firearm to have entered Japan, the Portuguese “arquebus”. This is the source of Pinto's claim to be the first westerner to enter Japan. The weapon was rapidly reproduced and had a major impact on the ongoing Japanese civil wars. He is credited for the opening up of Indo-China trade. He joined the Society of Jesus and St. Francis gave him the money with which to build the first Jesuit establishment in Japan. Mendez accompanied the Jesuits as ambassador from the Portuguese Viceroy of India to the King of Bungo. While a number of the details of his work are obviously taken from other accounts, such as the visits to Ethiopia and Tibet, the total picture given of Asia in the first half of the 16th century has undoubted authenticity. This is one of the greatest books by a European traveler in the East and is a classic of Portuguese literature.

WING M 1705. This work reflects the vigor and energy of one of Portugal's most fantastic explorers. Streit V, 407. Cordier Biblio. Japónica, 39. Reiss & Auvermann: Auction 40, 670.