Heading:
Author: Paloú, Francisco
Title: Relacion Historica de la Vida Y Apostolicas Tareas del Venerable Padre Fray Junipero Serra, Y de las Misiones que Fundo en la California Septentrional, y Nuevos Establecimientos de Monterey
Place Published: Mexico
Publisher:Felipe de Zúñiga y Ontiveros
Date Published: 1787
Description:

[28], 344 pp. Copperplate engraved portrait. folding map at rear. (Small 4to) 19.4x14.5 cm (7¾x5¾"), original full vellum, leather ties. First Edition.

The first biography of the founder of the California Missions. This copy with the second issue of the map, containing the words "Mar Pacifico" (with a minuscule stub tear). In this issue of the book, "a expensas de varios bienhechores" appears on title page; the catchword at the end of the "Indice" being "CAR-" whereas the accepted first issue bears the catchword ""PRO-". "Miguel José Serra, a native of Petra, on the island of Mallorca, was born Nov. 24, 1713. He took the Franciscan habit in 1730, assuming the name of Junípero, and until 1749 devoted his life in preparation for missionary work. He reached Mexico Dec. 6, of that year, and began immediately the arduous spiritual labors that ended only with his death. His early work in Mexico was for a time in the missionary field of the Sierra Gorda, and later in the College of San Fernando. In 1769, he arrived at San Diego in Alta California, and at that place, on July 17, he founded the first California mission. From this time he was indefatigable, founding many missions, and traveling many miles, always on foot. His end came on Aug. 28, 1784, at San Carlos, the beloved mission that he found June 3, 1770. His closest friend and biographer, Padre Paloú, says of him, that 'his laborious and exemplary life is nothing but a beautiful field decked with every class of flowers of excellent virtues'"-- Cowan, 1914 ed., pp.171-72; Howes P56; Zamorano 80 #59. bookseller label on front pastedown.

Chip at top right corner of vellum, in remarkable condition showing only light wear; stain to front free endpaper and front pastedown, binding slightly shaken, small tear to lower right corner of leaf 24:4; near fine.