Lodovico Antonio Muratori - Il cristianesimo felice nelle Missioni de' padri della Compagnia di Gesù nel Paraguai - 1743

The Happy Christianity in the Missions of the Fathers of the Society of Jesus in Paraguay, described by Ludovico Antonio Muratori, Librarian to the Most Serene Duke of Modena.

Muratori Lodovico Antonio
At Giambattista Pasquali
In Venice, 1743

First Edition

In 4°, (8), 196 pages, with a large engraved copper geographic map folded at the front depicting South America, in perfect condition.
Good copy in solid binding of the time, all parchment, smooth gilded spine with title; rear cover missing, slight browning on the inner pages.

One of the most comprehensive and detailed travel accounts and cultural customs of the Paraguayan area, along with a brilliant essay on primitive Christianity of Jesuit origin in the Americas.

Comprends: Of the Spiritual Happiness of Christians in Paraguay; Of the Spiritual Ministry in Service of those new Christians; Of the Ecclesiastical Government of those Missions; Of the Military Government of the Christians in Paraguay; Of the religion of the barbarian Indians and other chapters on the customs of the region.
In the Muratori work, there is also the testimony of the Jesuit Gaetano Cattaneo, who lived from 1729 to 1733 in the Reduction of Santa Rosa. At the end of the volume, the three letter notes from Father Cattaneo to 'Mr. Giuseppe, his brother in Modena' are added, containing very interesting observations gathered during his journey to the missions of Paraguay.
Bibliography for the first edition: Palau 185907; Borba de Moraes II, 603.

Ludovico Antonio Muratori was an eminent Italian historian, philosopher, and archivist of the 18th century, born on October 21, 1672, in Vignola, in the Duchy of Modena.
Muratori is best known for his significant contribution to historiography and Italian culture. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for the depth of his analyses and for his fundamental contribution to understanding the past.
In the vast literary landscape dedicated to the exploration and understanding of South America, Ludovico Antonio Muratori's work 'Cristianesimo Felice' emerges as a valuable and enlightening source.
Muratori, a well-known Italian historian and philosopher of the 18th century, wrote this treatise with the aim of exploring the history of Catholic missions in South America and their impact on local society and culture. 'Cristianesimo Felice' stands out for its emphasis on the spread of Christianity on the continent.