MANUEL I, King of Portugal (1469-1521). Abtruck ains lateinischen Sandtbrieues na Babstliche Heiligkeit von Kuenigklicher Wurde zue Portegall, dis jars ausgangen von der eroberten Stadt Malacha. Augsburg: Erhart Oeglin, [September 1513].

First German edition of the Portuguese report on their capture of Malacca. See preceding lot for a description of the contents of this crucial letter. It is a testament to the importance of the news that a letter first printed in Rome on 9 August, could reach Augsburg so quickly. The title-page states that it arrived in Augsburg on 5 September. The Portuguese conquerors also acted in haste. Just three years later, they would land in China for the first time. Fernão Pires de Andrade would lead the embassy to Guangzhou in 1517. Sabin 22405 (included for its use in dating Americana tracts by this printer); VD16 P 4375.

Quarto (181 x 138mm). Six leaves (including final blank). Woodcut arms of Portugal on the title. Full red morocco, gilt spine, turn-ins and board edges, all edges gilt, by Lortic (light wear to joints and tips). Provenance: José Pinto Leite, 2nd Count of Penha Longa, 1871–1956 (supralibros) – with Maggs Bros., A Royal Catalogue issued to Commemorate the Silver Jubilee of H.M. King George V, 1935, catalogue 606, no. 583 – José Mindlin, 1914-2010 (bookplate).