Important early California history by a learned Jesuit missionary in Mexico and California. While in California Venegas gathered information from personal observation and from the archives of the various missions. The volumes contain valuable geographical, historical, and ethnological material relating to the name, situation, and extent of California, the aborigines and their ancient religions, early voyages along the California coast, and the labors of the Jesuits under Kino and Salvatierra. Two volumes. First English edition. Octavo, Vol. I 455pp, Vol. II 387 pp, folding b/w map "An accurate Map of California, Drawn by the Society of Jesuits, & dedicated to the King of Spain" (1757) 8x12" bound in Vol. I plus four charming copperplate engravings of California Natives. Contemporary mottled brown calf with red leather labels on backstraps, gilt rules and volume numbers. Printed for James Rivington and James Fletcher.

References: Howes V69; Wagner, Spanish Southwest 132a.

Condition: A

Expertly rebacked. Ex-owner's bookplate on front pastedown, a few pencil notations on end papers, light foxing of a few leaves, and minor offsetting of map and plates.