First edition of a fundamental source for the history of the vast Brazilian province of Maranhao "One of the rarest books and at the same time one of the best private histories of Brazil" (Leclerc). Written by its Governor, "The first edition is rare and much sought after, as it is a classic on Maranhao" (Borba de Moraes). Lauded as "A obra fundamental da história do Maranhao" (Correa do Lago), the work is cited in virtually all academic articles dealing with the region.
The Annaes contains a comprehensive geographical description of the region and the Jesuit and indigenous settlements, the information derived from the author´s position and his access to historical and current information. The work deals with a wide range of subjects up to the year 1718, commencing by its colonization, and focusing on its history, population, the struggle with the Dutch and their attempts to seize control of Brazilian ports, the Amazon River, and the navigation of the chain of rivers. It would be hard to overestimate the immense importance of this chronic of Brazil.
Bernardo Perreira de Berredo was Governor of the Maranhao province from 1718-1722; he died in 1748 at Lisbon, whilst preparing this work for the press. Sabin quotes Southey saying "(Pereira)... has left for himself a more durable remembrance in his historical annals of the state over which he presided".
A library stamp from the Centre for American studies in Rome (Centro Italiano di studi Americani) on the title page, and a (shelf mark?) number stamped above the imprint. The spine has been slightly rubbed, with a small loss of the shelf mark label. Minor stains on the title page, a few mainly marginal small worm holes. Otherwise a fresh and clean, wide margined copy. Borba de Moraes, 103; Correa do Lago, Brasiliana Itau, 2009; Innocencio I, pp. 382-383; Palau 218678; Rodrigues, Bibliotheca Brasilica, 388; Sabin, 4967.