Estimate PHP 1,500,000 - 1,700,000 Juan Francisco de San Antonio Chronicas de la Apostolica Provincia de S. Gregorio de religiosos descalzos de N.S.P. S. Francisco en las Islas Philipinas, China, Japon, vols. 1-3 Manila: Juan del Sotillo, vol. 1, 1738; vol. 2, 1741; vol. 3, 1744 First edition, extremely rare, of this monumental testimony to the excellence of the Manila printing industry. Contemporary limp vellum, red edges. Titles printed in red and black, woodcut floral borders, text in double columns. The 'Chronicas,' besides being a magnificent example of Philippine printing – branded by Medina as “sobresaliente” [outstanding] – is an invaluable source of information. The three volumes – it is very rare to find all three volumes together – provide one of the best comprehensive history of the Spanish Franciscan Missions in the Philippines from their arrival in the islands until 1741. The first volume gives a detailed description and history of the Philippine Archipelago, including its conquest by Spain, the early exploration, the native people and their customs. This volume is illustrated with a large engraving bearing the coat of arms of Felipe V. The major part of the second volume accounts of the first Spanish missionaries to visit Macao and China, along with abundant information on Cochinchina, Borneo, Malacca, and the Pacific. This volume is illustrated with a large engraving depicting St. Gregory. The third volume is devoted entirely to the Spanish missions in Japan and is illustrated with a magnificent engraved plate. This famous plate shows the martyrdom of San Pedro Bautista along with his 22 other companions in Japan in 1597. This third volume is even rarer than the first two. Viewing starts form May 23rd, 2015 To be Auctioned on June 6th, 2015 from 11 am at Unit 104-b Ground Level Three Salcedo Place 121 Todesillas Street Makati City 1227