Lettere del Giapone, et della Cina de gl’anni M. D. LXXXIX & M. D. XC.

Scritte al R. P. Generale della Compagnia di GIESV. Milan : Pacifico Pontio, 1592. Duodecimo, later papered card covers; early manuscript title to bottom edge ‘Lettere del Giapone’; pp. 214 (last three pages misnumbered 112-113-114); title with woodcut Jesuit device and early ownership inscription; decorated initials; contents crisp and clean, a very good example..

A collection of eight letters from Jesuit missionaries in Japan and China written in 1589-90.

Two are letters from Macao, the earlier one by Antonio d’Almeyda and the later by Duarte de Sande (Superior at Macao), which describe the difficulties facing the China mission.

The six letters from Japan include reports by the Portuguese Jesuits Gaspar Coelho (1529-1590) and Luís Fróis (1532-1597). Coelho, who had arrived in Japan in 1570, was now Superior of the mission; he and Fróis, who had served there since 1563, were the most prominent missionaries in Japan at this time. The letters describe activities and incidents at Amakusa, Hirado, Goto and Meaco (Kyoto).

Cordier, BS 796, BJ 116; Löwendahl 32