Fuentes, Manuel A.

Lima or Sketches of the Capital of Peru, Historical, Statistical, Administrative, Commercial and Moral

Paris: Firmin Didot, Brothers, Sons & Co., 1866.
First English Language Edition. 3/4 Leatherbound. 6-3/4 x 10-1/2", 3/4 pebbled maroon leather, marbled paper over thick boards, gilt decorated raised spine bands, gilt titled and gilt decorated spine compartments, ix, 224pp, half-title is lithographic plate with Lima in the background bordered by rainforest denizens, etc., in the foreground produced by French engraver Jules Huvot, title page is illuminated in gilt, red and blue with portrait of the author's son in one corner, followed by lithographic portraits of the author and his daughter Maria Adelaida, with 45 full-page lithographic portraits and scenic views in text with tissue guards, including 16 tinted views, woodcuts from photographs appear throughout text. Item #900678

First English Language Edition - issued in Paris in 1866 simultaneously with the French Edition. A London edition was to follow soon thereafter.  "The literary and descriptive sketches are extracted from the Statistics of Lima and the Traveller's Guide."  

In this work, Fuentes provides an exhaustive overview of mid-century Lima and its citizens. Part I: Foundation & Description of Lima; Part II: Places of Worship; Part III: Government Offices & Public Establishments; Part IV: Other Edifices, Private Enterprises, Productions, Commerce & Industry; Part V: Places of Public Amusement, Works of Art, and Walks; Part VI: Outlines and Sketches.

Peruvian intellectual Manuel Atanasio Fuentes was well known as an editor, journalist, satirist, statistician,  medical and legal expert, social commentator, administrator, historian, and folklorist. Other works include a biography of Peruvian president, Ramón Castilla, a variety of publications on law and medicine, and a satirical magazine called "The Bat" in which he addressed politics, commerce, and social issues, often critical of the Peruvian status quo. 

Modest sun-fading to spine and a bit of mild edge-wear to cloth, light foxing to "Table of Contents" (last few leaves), small bookplate of James McDonald with raven above ribboned family motto of "Nec Tempore Nec Fato" (Neither Time Nor Fate) first pastedown endpaper, clean of other owner's marks, a bright and beautiful copy, very good+.

 

Price: $750.00