Girolamo (Jerome) Dandini Voyage du Mont Liban Translated from the Italian Paris: Chez Louis Billaine, 1675 First French Edition A rare and important 17th-century account of Mount Lebanon and the Maronite Church, written by the Jesuit diplomat Girolamo (Jerome) Dandini (1554–1634). Dandini was sent in 1596 as Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Mount Lebanon in order to investigate the Maronite Church and report to Rome. His mission was conducted under the authority of Pope Clement VIII. This work presents his detailed observations on: • The religious beliefs and customs of the Maronites • The political and social conditions of Ottoman Syria • The customs and character of the Turks • Christian communities of the Levant • Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean regions • Theological reflections on Eastern Christianity and Islam The Italian edition first appeared in 1656; this 1675 Paris printing is the first French edition, translated and prepared for publication (traditionally attributed to Richard Simon). Full Title (as printed) Voyage du Mont Liban, traduit de l’Italien du R. P. Jerome Dandini, Nonce en ce pays-là. Où il est traité tant de la créance & des Coûtumes des Maronites, que de plusieurs particularitez touchant les Turcs… With royal privilege (Avec privilège du Roy). Bibliographic Details • Place: Paris • Publisher: Louis Billaine • Year: 1675 • Format: 12mo • Collation: 23 + 402 + 12 pages, • Language: French • Contemporary full calf binding • Gilt decorated spine with raised bands Historical Importance This is one of the earliest substantial European eyewitness accounts of: The Maronite Church after its union with Rome Religious life in Ottoman Lebanon Interactions between Catholic missionaries and Eastern Christians Early modern European perceptions of Islam and Levantine society Dandini’s report played a role in shaping Vatican policy toward the Maronites and remains an important source for the history of Lebanon and Syrian Christianity. Condition • Contemporary calf binding, worn but solid • Raised bands and gilt spine decoration visible • Interior complete • Moderate age toning and occasional foxing • Royal privilege leaf present • Ex-libris and library marks (Banque de Syrie et du Liban; additional ex-libris) • Structurally sound Overall: Good condition for a 17th-century travel work. Collectibility 17th-century Levant travel narrative Early Western account of Lebanon Jesuit missionary history Ottoman Middle East documentation Desirable for collectors of Holy Land and Eastern Mediterranean travel An important and early printed source on Lebanon and the Maronite Church under Ottoman rule.