Antiquarian Book Fair!!
The 52nd Annual Bookfair at the Park Avenue Armory held some stunningly beautiful and indeed rare historical gems. Among many of the European dealers, there was a plethota of material relating to the age of exploration and indeed the Jesuits in the Far East.
Frederik Muller Rare Books of the Netherlands brought a wonderful selection as always. Manuel Acostas History of the Society of Jesus in the Orient (Paris, 1572) brings together a selection of Jesuit lettters from 1568-1570. Another volume on the Life of Ignatius Loyola, (Ingolstadt, 1590), and a volume by Father Pistorious, India Gloria, (Dillinger, 1660), deals with St. Francis Xavier in South Asia.
Leo Cadogan Rare Books, a newcomer to the show from London brought an amazing array of volumes. One of my favorites illustrated history of the rulers of Bohemia. This volume, written by Giulio Solimani, SJ and printed in Prague in 1629, offers a short narrative of the 59 rulers of what is today the Czech Republic. According to the description, the book was part of an education project in the wake of the defeat of the Protestant Czechs. The vanquished Frederick, the Winter King, was ommited from the book. This book dealer also brought some fascinating acounts of French Diplomacy and Overseas Commerce during the age of Louis XV. One such volume from 1718 deals with the "difficulties" facing French subjects from pirates in the Mediterranean as well as advising French subjects travelling on foreign ships to bring the proper documentation "showing that they are French, and followers of the King."
Libereria Bardon of Madrid brought a fascinating collection of rare books including the Jesuit Missions in Japan, (Rome, 1595), Alexandre de Chaumont's Kingdom of Siam (Paris, 1686), and Engraved Portraits of the Kings of France (Paris, 1711)
Proclamation for the Creation of the Royal Philippine Company, Real Cedula dating from 1785, was a particular favorite. The Company promoted direct trade between the islands and Spain.
These are but a few of the literary and historical jewels at the Book Fair.
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