First and only edition of a brief history of Ethiopia by Job Ludolf (1624-1704), who was to become the leading Ethiopic scholar of his generation. Since the 1640s Ludolf had been working in Gotha in the diplomatic service of Duke Ernst I of Sachsen-Gotha, who encouraged his Ethiopic studies, and since 1675 in the service of his son and successor Friedrich I. He is best known for his monumental history of Ethiopia, Historia Aethiopica (Frankfurt, 1681, with supplemental works to 1694). The present little book is his first publication seriously devoted to the history of Ethiopia and marks the beginning of the work that was to lead to his magnum opus.
With bookplate, owner's inscription and library stamp. Foxed and browned, especially in the last 2 leaves. A pioneering early work by the leading Ethiopic scholar of his generation. VD17, 12:150041K; Winterton collection of East Africa & Zanzibar (2002), p. 29; not in Gay.