Venegas, History of California 1759

Heading:
Author: Venegas, Miguel
Title: A Natural and Civil History of California: Containing an Accurate Description of that Country, Its Soils, Mountains, Harbours, Lakes, Rivers and Seas; Its Animals, Vegetables, Minerals and Famous Fishery for Pearls. The Customs of Inhabitants, Their Religion, Government and Manner of Living before Their Conversion to the Christian Religion by the Missionary Jesuits...
Place Published: London
Publisher:James Rivington & James Fletcher
Date Published: 1759
Description:

2 volumes. [20], 455; [8], 387 pp. 4 engraved plates, each with two images; folding copper-engraved map of California. (8vo) 20.6x12.5 cm. (8x5") later mottled calf, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. First Edition in English.

One of the cornerstones of the study of California history, called the "First attempt at a history of California. Based, by the anonymous editor, Father Andres Marco Burriel, on Venegas 1739 MS., but incorporating information from other sources..." - Howes. Cowan calls the work "the foundation of a library of Californiana." The map, "An Accurate Map of California, drawn by the Society of Jesuits," engraved by J. Gibson for this English edition, is the same as that in the 1757 three-volume Spanish first edition, but without the vignettes surrounding the map. It measures 31x20 cm. Wheat notes it as "a well-drawn map, showing the missions and Indian towns of Pimeria Alta..." Cowan p.658; Hill, Pacific Voyages, p.307; Howes V69; (Wheat, Transmississippi 138, Vol. I p.85); Zamorano 80 #78.
Condition Report: Bindings worn, front board of Volume I detached, other joints starting; vertical cracks along spine panels of both volumes, morocco labels chipped and faded; binding cracked internally in Volume I with a few sprung pages, light foxing to both volumes; map repaired with tape from reverse, small stubtear; overall very good.