This is the first volume of the German edition of Lettres Edifantes (edifying and curious letters) published by Joseph Stocklein. The volume contains 126 letters sent to Europe by Jesuits in North & South America, Africa, and Asia, offering Europeans a new perspective on distant cultures. The volume contains 5 maps including a double-page map of Southeast Asia, a double-page map of northern South America, two maps of northern Africa, as well as Father Kino's important second map of Lower California disputing the notion that California was an island. The map shows the Baja peninsula and locates the earliest California mission at Loreto and numerous missions in Mexico. It accurately depicts the region, in particular the relative positions of the Colorado and Gila rivers and the correct location of the rivers, valleys and mountains of part of Sonora and Arizona. The volume includes a decorative frontispiece. Hardbound in full leather with raised bands and gilt titling on spine.

References: Howes #S1022; Phillips (Maps) p. 184; Polk, pp. 295-302.

Condition: A

Maps have strong, dark impressions with minor printer's ink residue. Text is clean and bright. The hinges are starting, the covers are have some abrasions with bumped edges, and the head of the spine is chipped.