438. Cavazzi (Giovanni Antonio) Istorica descrizione de’ tre’ regni Congo, Matamba, et Angola, first edition, engraved frontispiece, 9 engraved plates including 1 folding, folding map, 40 engraved illustrations in text, occational foxing and small ink stains, lower edge of title-page trimmed (c.22mm), edges stained dark blue, early half mottled sheep, marbled boards, wear to corners, small split to lower hinge, red leather lettering label, gilt, leather backed fold-over box, [Brunet I, 1699; Sabin 11592; BL 639574], Bologna, 1687.
est. £3500 – £4000
Cavazzi was a Capuchin monk born in Montecuccolo who was sent to the Congo in 1654 as a catechizer. He was there for 37 years. In 1670 he made a brief visit to Rome in the service of the mission then returned to Africa immediately after. He died in Genoa in 1692. His work is one of the most important to appear on the area.