Descrição do Reino de Portugal Original vellum (spine worn) - 1610

Lisbon: Jorge Rodriguez, 1610. Original vellum (spine worn). Ownership signature on front free endpaper, slight spotting on f. 76 recto, ink annotations on f. 162 verso, lacks back free endpaper.. First edition of this notable work. "The painstaking and talented Duarte Nunez de Leam (c. 1530-1608), born at Evora, son of the Professor of Medicine João Nunez . . wrote . . an interesting Descripção do Reino de Portugal . . which he finished in 1599" (Prestage, Portuguese Literature, p. 210). This classic study was published posthumously by the author's nephew, who contributed the dedication and prologue. The work includes valuable information about the towns and cities of Portugal, the geographical features, the gold and silver mines, precious stones, agricultural produce, citing the fertile plains of Alentejo with their abundant wheat harvests, of Portuguese saints, and the virtues of the Portuguese people. Innocêncio II, 211. Pinto de Mattos p. 339. Palha 2741, "rare et estimé." Ameal 1648, "livro clássico, interessante e muito apreciado. Edição primitiva, a mais estimada. Os exemplares são hoje em dia muito raros." Cf. Azevedo-Samodães 2241.)