Acosta,J.de. Lot n° 1091

De natura novi orbis libri duo, et de promulgatione Evangelli apud Barbaros, sive de procuranda Indorum salute, libri sex. Cologne, Birckmann-Mylius 1596. 8 fol., 581 pp. Blind embossed. Pigskin printed boards of the time over wooden boards with 2 metal clasps and bibliographical ribbon. (Strong traces of use). VD 16, A 119. Sabin 120. Palau 1979. De Backer-S. I, 33, 4. Streit I, 212. - Third edition, first published in Salamanca in 1588, deals with missionary activity in South America. "One of the most important missionary theorists. At his (Acosta's) arrival in America (about 1569) the first experience in missionizing the Indians had been had. Difficulties and disappointments had not been absent. The too extravagant hopes of a number of missionaries had found their reaction in a paralyzing discouragement, and the Indian mission question had become virtually an Indian mission problem. This problem Acosta now takes up in his work and ... between unrealizable mission ideals on the one hand and hopeless giving in on the other hand he draws the golden middle way of the practical solution" (Streit I, p. 73 ff.). - Somewhat browned, partly wormholes (loss of letters), ownership inscription and bib. stamp on the back - (Script 48).