Hispania Rare Books

£1800.00

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616)

O Engenhoso Fidalgo Dom Quixote de la Mancha  Traduzido em Vulgar.

Lisboa: Na Typografia Rollandiana, 1794

6 vols, 8vo (142 x 91mm), [1] pp ii+315+i, [2]  i+313+i [3] i+298+ii [4] i+316+ii [5] i+352+ii [6] i+322+ii  ; Contemporary marbled calf, flat spines with gilt divisions and red Morocco title label, Engraved portrait by Debrie.

In 1794, the first translation of Don Quixote appeared in Lisbon, entitled O Engenhoso Fidalgo Dom Quixote de la Mancha. The title page contains information indicating that the book was “translated in the vernacular”, but the name of the translator is not given.  The printer, Typografia Rollandiana, was established by Francisco Rolland after he moved to Lisbon (from France) in the second half of the XVIII century becoming one of the most successful publishers of his time. Interestingly, the release of the translation was announced in La Gazette de Lisboa on December 27, 1794: “The Ingenious Nobleman Don Quixote de la Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, is published, translated into Portuguese, in 6 vols. […] This work, translated into all the languages ​​of the educated nations of Europe, now appears in ours, for the enjoyment and instruction of the Portuguese”. 

Rare and interesting edition for Cervantes collectors.

Good condition: slight worming to joints vols.4 and 5, extremities lightly rubbed, previous owner inscription to paste-down.  Please see pictures.