Relation nouvelle et curieuse des royaumes de Tunquin et de Lao [...]. [- Histoire nouvelle et curieuse [...]].

2 parts in one vol., 4to: [8]-1/[328], [4]-329/436 pp. (sl. foxing, damp stain to some upper margins, spotting to some margins, Ddd sl. age-toned).

Contemp. mottled sheep, gilt-orn. spine with raised bands, red spr. edges (sl. rubbing, skilful repairs i.a. to joints).

Rare first edition of the French translation by François Le Comte (1st Italian 1663). The 1st part concerns the kingdom of Tonkin, the 2nd the kingdom of Lao. Both contain detailed descriptions focusing on the habits and customs of the inhabitants, their laws, the goverment, geography, fauna and flora, etc. The Italian Jesuit De Marini (1608-1682) stayed for 14 years in Tonkin and became rector at the college of Macao.
Ref. Cordier, Sinica, 377 and Indosinica, 1046. - Barbier IV:234. - DBS V:583:1.
Prov. Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies (1798-1870), Duchess of Berry and Countess of Rosny (armorial bookpl. with arms of alliance and mention "Bibliothèque de Rosny").