The History of That Great and Renowned Monarchy of China. ... all the Particular Provinces are Accurately Described ... the Dispositions, Manners, Learning, Lawes, Militia, Government, and Religion of the People. ... Bellum Tartaricum, or the Conquest of by SEMEDO, ALVAREZ (1585-1658) - 1655

London: Printed for John Crook, and are to be Sold at His Shop at the Sign of the Ship ..., 1655. Pp. [10], 308, [2] - publisher's adverts, engraved frontispiece portrait plus 1 engraved plate, folding map. On a separate title-page: 'Bellum Tartaricum, or the Conquest of The Great and most Renowned Empire of China, By the Invasion of the Tartars, who in these last seven years, have wholly subdued that vast Empire. ... Written originally in Latine by Martin Martinius, present in the Countrey at most of the Passages herein related, And now faithfully Translated into English," (at page [249] - 308), engraved frontispiece portrait, engraved map dated 1654. Period style rebind in full calf, 5 raised bands, gilt-stamped spine title, sewn headbands, new endpapers distressed, folding map now mounted, dust soiling and thumbing to margins as to be expected, otherwise a superb copy of a very important book. Alvarez Semedo served as Portuguese Procurado General for China and resided 22 years at the Court. Derived from first-hand observation. First published in Madrid in 1642. "The second part is based on Martino Martini's De Bello Tartarico Historia (1654) - the story of the Manchu conquest of China, a work that was at the time was considered the best general description of China." . First Edition. Full Leather. Very Good. Quarto.