A Curious and Exact Account of a Voyage to Congo, in the Years 1666, and 1667 [BOUND WITH] A Voyage To Congo, And several other Countries, Chiefly in Southern-Africk
London: Printed for A. and J. Churchill, 1704. Hardcover. Small Folio. (1) 612-756pp. Bound in modern half-calf over marbled boards with gilt lettering and blind-stamped decorative ruling on spine. Marginalia.
Part I (611-650): The preface to the reader of part one announces an account of two Apostolic Missioners travels to propagate Christianity. It is not a history of the Congo or of its conquest. The account is very particular, it speaks not only of Congo, but of Brazil and some parts of Europe. The translation is faithful, without adding or diminishing, even the stile of the authors is followed. Part 2: Account of some few years of travel by the Capuchin and Apostolic Missioner, the companion of the Capuchin Father Francis da Montelione, of their excursion to the Congo, especially the Giaghi, to preach the true God's "most Holy Word.
In 1666 fifteen missioners were dispatched, of which Angelo was one, by the Cardinals de propaganda fide, received commissions and patents with privileges (e.g. To read forbidden books, except, Macchiavel). Via Genova and Lisbon to Brazil the two sailed, to load there, and sail over to Africa to the Coast of Congo. Their travels up to the arrival at the coast of the Congo are described by Angelo, the stay and travels in the Congo by de Carli. Details of the reports include vivid descriptions of the 'Way of Travelling, How People Live, Musical Instruments, the Fauna, Harvests, a Journey to Pemba, the King, Devotions of the Blacks, Wizards, the Great Duke of Bamba, the death of Michael Angelo, a Place called Colombo,' and eventually the voyage back.
Part II: (1, 651-756): In 1682 Jerom Merolla de Sorrento set sail from Naples, via Corsica and Sardinia, to Lisbon, Madera and, with a strong convoy "to prevent pirates" to Palma, Brazil, and, after a lengthy stay, described extensively, to the Port of Angola, about a year after the departure from Naples. After a two weeks stay Jerom Merolla da Sorrento departs with a group fathers ton their mission. The account provides a detailed picture of travels and the socio-cultural conditions encountered by the missionaries. Appendix with a letter from the King of Congo to the author and two pages of explanations of some Conghese words inserted in this work at rear.
Binding with light wear along edges, some light scuffing at spine and a few small chips at decorative paper of covers. Small book dealer sticker on inside front cover. Very good condition. Item #50084
Price: $1,250.00