FRANCISCO PALOU - MISIONES EN CALIFORNIA - PRIMERA EDICIÓN 1787

Subject: Missions - California. Travels. United States.

Publication: Mexico, at the printing press of Don Felipe de Zúñiga y Ontiveros, 1787.

Physical Description: Large octavo. 14 leaves, chalcographic plate (portrait of Junípero Serra), 344 p; Copy in perfect condition with its prized map ("Old and New Californias"). Period parchment.

Notes: The letters from Junípero Serra to Father Palou (both Mallorcan Jesuits), which mainly compose the volume, not only account for the founding of the missions but also offer interesting details of the various Indian tribes, their manners and customs, along with descriptions of the country (Sabin). If there is any work of a biographical nature worthy of highlighting, due to the union and friendship between the biographer and the protagonist, there is no doubt that this is it. It is, in summary, a testimony of missionary life in 18th-century California and Mexico.

First edition, first state with "At the expense of various benefactors" at the foot of the printing press and the catchword "PRO" at the end of the index.

Francisco Palou (c. 1722-1789) was a Spanish Franciscan friar who played a crucial role in the evangelization of the Californias. After entering the Franciscan order in Palma de Mallorca and studying philosophy with Junípero Serra, he volunteered for missions in the New World. Together, they served in missions in Mexico, including Sierra Gorda. In 1767, Palou was sent to the Baja California peninsula to replace the expelled Jesuits, where he stood out as Superior of the missions, defending the natives. In 1773, he moved to Alta California, marking the division between the two Californias (Mojonera de Palou) and exploring San Francisco Bay, where he celebrated the first Mass in the future Mission Dolores. After Junípero Serra's death in 1784, Palou assumed leadership of the Franciscans in Alta California, leaving a significant legacy in the expansion of Franciscan influence in the region.

Palau 210789.