ACOSTA, Jose de (c.1539-1600). The Naturall and Morall Historie of the East and West Indies. London: printed by Val. Sims for Edward Blount and William Aspley, 1604.

First Edition in English. "The most convincing, detailed, and reliable account of the riches and new things of America" (Hill). Acosta was a Jesuit missionary and naturalist in Peru from 1569 to 1585, after which he moved to Mexico. "Acosta's official duties obliged him to personally investigate a very extensive range of territory, providing him with a practical knowledge of the province, and its aboriginal inhabitants. While in Peru he was instrumental in the establishment of the first printing press, and in 1585 oversaw its first productions" (Hogwego). His Historia natural y moral de las Indias, first published in 1590, enlarged on his two earlier works and provided an encyclopedic analysis of the Amerindian world. Its popularity was immediate and immense, seeing the work translated into numerous languages. Alden & Landis 601/1; Arents Tobacco 67; Church 328; Hill p.3 ("His work opened the eyes of the rest of Europe to the great wealth that Spain was drawing from America. Eventually Spain grew more secretive in these matters"); Howgego A7; Sabin 131; STC 94.

Quarto (183 x 133mm). First leaf blank save for signature 'A', with blank leaf b4 at end, woodcut head-pieces and initials (even toning at beginning, washed). Early 20th century green morocco gilt by W. Pratt, all edges gilt (spine sunned). Provenance: C.L.F. Robinson, 1874-1916 (armorial bookplate) – J.C. MacCoy (leather bookplate) – Victor von Hagen, 1908-1985, American explorer and expert in the history of the Inca, Maya, and Aztecs (blindstamp to title).