réf. 26935 — A Cologne, & se trouve à Paris, Chez Nyon, 1772. With engraved frontispiece. xliv, 436 pp. 8vo. Contemporary marbled calf, spine gilt withr aised bands, label with gilt lettering, slightly rubbed, some discolouring, marbled edges. Sabin 20201; Leclerc 453; Muller 975 (all listing the first edition). Second edition, first published in 1767. This work is largely based on a manuscript by P. Champion, Jesuit, who had started having a life of Palafox printed, but the impression was stopped. Dinouart says in his preface he was happy in being able to procure the entire mansucript of Champion which enabled him to complete the life of the celebrated bishop (Sabin).Juan de Palafox y Mendoza (June 26, 1600 - October 1, 1659), a Spanish politician, administrator, and Catholic clergyman in 17th century Spain and viceregal Mexico. Palafox was the Bishop of Puebla (1640-1655), and the interim Archbishop of Mexico (1640-1642). He also held political office, from June 10, 1642 to November 23, 1642 as the Viceroy of New Spain. He lost a high-profile struggle with the Jesuits in New Spain, resulting in a recall to Spain, to the minor Diocese of Osma in Old Castile. In 1639 Philip IV nominated him, and Pope Urban VIII appointed him, as Bishop of Puebla de los Ángeles in viceroyal Mexico. Puebla de los Ángeles was the second largest city in the Viceroyalty of New Spain (viceroyal México) then, and is the present day City of Puebla. He was consecrated at Madrid on December 27, 1639. As bishop, Palafox arrived in Veracruz on June 24, 1640. He was in the company of the new Viceroy of New Spain, Diego López Pacheco, 7th Duke of Escalona, whom he had gotten to know during the voyage. That same ship brought an Irishman, William Lamport, known in New Spain as Don Guillén de Lombardo y Guzmán, who played a role in political turmoil during the 1640s. Palafox was also named Visitador (royal inspector, representative of the king), to investigate the two previous viceroys.Palafox founded the Biblioteca Palafoxiana on September 5, 1646, stocking it with five thousand books of science and philosophy. He also founded the Dominican Convent of Santa Inés, the Colleges of San Pedro and San Pablo, and the girls school Purísima Concepción. He amended the by-laws of the seminary of San Juan, and worked diligently on completing the cathedral, which was dedicated April 18, 1649. As bishop, Palafox y Mendoza distinguished himself by his efforts to protect the Native Americans, forbidding any methods of conversion other than persuasion. - Small stamp on page v: Toulouse 1777, and a scribbled name . A good copy.
