Three volumes in two. [x], 396, [12]; [xii], 328, [4]; [ii], 141, [4] pp. Numerous engraved head and tailpiece; 2 engravings in the second volume with hand-coloring. (4to) 27x19 cm. (10½x7½") period calf, spines gilt. First Edition Thus.

"The first Council was originally printed in 1556, at Mexico, by Juan Pablos Lombardo. Besides the two Councils, the first volume contains an account of the Prelates of the Mexican Church. " (Sabin) "Preceding the Constitutions of the councils is the editor's carta pastorale briefly relating the objects of such councils, and giving the history of those held in Mexico. Next appear the resolutions of the first junta apostolica, and the curious information of Capt. Juan Juarez y Gamboa in 1649 on the coming of the first clergymen to New Spain; Bishop Garces' letter to Paulus III in favor of the natives and next the Pope's bull in 1537 declaring the Indians rational beings. After the acts of the two councils, are given biographical sketches of the archbishops of Mexico and bishops of Puebla, Guatemala, Antequera, Michoacan, Guadalajara, Yucatan and Durango. These biographies are ... valuable for the study of Mexican ecclesiastic history . . ."—Bancroft. Palau 142386; Sabin 42063 & 42066.