The history of that great and renowned monarchy of China
Subtitle: Wherein all the particular provinces are accurately described: as also the dispositions, manners, learning, lawes, militia, government, and religion of the people. Together with the traffick and commodities of that countrey
By: Lately written in Italian by F. Alvarez Semedo, a Portughess, after he had resided twenty two yeares at the court, and other famous cities of that kingdom. Now put into English by a person of quality, and illustrated with several mapps and figures, to satisfie the curious, and advance the trade of Great Britain. To which is added the history of the late invasion, and conquest of that flourishing kingdom by the Tartars ; with an exact account of the other affairs of China till these present times
Publisher: Printed by E. Tyler for John Crook, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Ship in S. Pauls Church-yard
Published: 1655
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 308
Other titles: Bellum Tartaricum; De bello Tartarico historia; Conquest of the great and most renowned empire of China
Work titles: Relação da propagação da fe no reyno da China e outros adjacentes
Notes: "Bellum Tartaricum, or The conquest of the great and most renovvned empire of china, by the invasion of the Tartars, who in these last seven years, have wholly subdued that vast empire. Together with a map of the provinces and chief cities of the countries, for the better understanding of the story. Written originally in Latine by Martin Martinius, present in the countrey at most of the passages herein related, and now faithfully translated into English ..." (p. [251]-308).

Final bookseller's advertisement leaf.

Folio format in fours.

Illustrations comprise a frontispiece portrait of the author engraved by Thomas Cross, folding engraved map of China (with the bookseller's mark top right), and an engraved illustrative plate; and in the text an engraved portrait and map.

Library's copy trade bound in England about 1655 in sprinkled sheep. Covers bordered in blind with double fillets (double row at back edge). With the arms of Walter Chetwynd stamped in blind at the centre. Red stained edges. Only the lower board survives; rebound in sprinkled calf, early 20th century.

Page 88 misnumbered 89.

Special title to "Bellum Tartaricum" has bookseller's woodcut device (compasses and motto "Labore et Constantia") used here by John Crooke.

Watermarks: Pot.

With typographical head-pieces and woodcut initials.

5 p. l., 308 p., plates: incl. port., map., fold. Map; 29 cm.

Wing S2490