[BRAZIL] &
BERETARIO (Sebastiano).
Vita R.P. Josephi Anchieatae Societatis Jesu sacerdotis in Brasilia defuncti...
THE APOSTLE OF BRAZIL
Printed in the same year as the first French edition, and based on a manuscript by Pedro Rodriguez (a fellow Jesuit), this is the first biography of José de Anchieta (1534-1597). Both 1617 editions are rare.
Howgego provides a neat synopsis of some of Anchieta’s achievements: his “heroic missionary work among the Indians won for him the title ‘Apostle of Brazil’. He produced numerous instructive works, as well as the first descriptive account of Brazilian plants and animals and the first grammar of the Tupi language. Recalled to Bahia from an expedition during military operations intended to suppress the Tamuin uprising, he was ordained a priest … [and] subsequently appointed rector of the College of St. Vincent (1567) and provincial of Brazil (1577-87).”
Born on Tenerife, Anchieta studied at Coimbra. His dedication to austerity was such that in 1553 he was sent to Brazil so that he might recover his health. He initially spent four months at Bahia before heading south to Sao Paolo. He travelled further to Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo and Reritiba (now called Anchieta). He was made a saint in 2014.
Borba I, p99; European Americana 617/20; JCB II:117; Howgego, A84; Medina BHA 652; Palau 27749; Sabin 4827.
