Special Collections
In the vault of the Biblioteca Central, a corpus of valuable books printed between the 16th and 19th centuries is preserved. We present a selection of the collection.
By Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
System of Libraries PUCP
Don Quixote of La Mancha
Cervantes, Miguel de (1615). Segunda parte del ingenioso cavallero Don Quixote de la Mancha. Madrid: Juan de la Cuesta.
First edition of the second part of this classic work. It is one of the most valuable printed we keep. It is estimated that exist just forty copy of this edition in the world
Velos antiguos y modernos (1641) by Antonio de LeónPontifical Catholic University of Peru
Velos antiguos y modernos en los rostros de las mujeres
León, Antonio de (1641). Velos antiguos i modernos en los rostros de las mugeres: sus conveniencias i daños: ilustración de la real premática de las tapadas. Madrid: por Juan Sánchez.
Discourse on the benefits and cons of the use of the veil by women throughout history. It refers to tapadas limeñas and, in particular, the use of the veil is censored.
Description of the trip around the globe
L´Hermite, Jacques (1646). Iournael van de Nassausche vloot, ofte beschrijvingh van de voyagie om den gantschen aerd-kloot (…) Amsterdam: J. Hartgertsz.
It describes the famous circumnavigation of the Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral Jacques L'Hermite during the years 1623-1626.
Bucaniers of America
Exquemelin, Alexander (1684). Bucaniers of America or, a true account of the most remarkable assaults committed of late years upon the Coasts of the West-Indies ... London: William Crooke.
It is one of the most unique narrative sources on 17th century piracy.
El Escorial (1764) by Andrés XiménesPontifical Catholic University of Peru
Descripción del Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo del Escorial
Ximénes, Andrés (1764). Descripción del Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo del Escorial: Su magnífico templo, panteón y palacio (...). Madrid: Antonio Marín.
In addition to containing the history of the building, it includes a set of sheets showing the plans of the monastery.
Abbreviated account of the trip through the interior of America
Condamine, Charles Marie de la (1745). Relation abrégée d’un voyage fait dans l’interieur de l’Amérique Méridionale (...). Paris: Chez la veuve Pissot.
The author was the geographer of the French scientific expedition to South America.
Peruvian books
The Lima workshops brought to light, among others, texts for use by the religious in charge of the care of souls, such as the Third Cathecism, ordered to be published by the Third Council of Limense, and a universe of writings produced in the university academic field.
Third catechism and exposition of the Christian Doctrine
Para qve los cvras y otros ministros prediquen y enseñen a los Yndios y a las demás personas, conforme a lo qve en el Sancto Concilio Prouincial de Lima se proueyó (1585). Ciudad de los Reyes: Antonio Ricardo.
Considered a Peruvian incunabulum, for being one of the first printed works made in the viceroyalty, in Antonio Ricardo's printing press. The copy that we preserve has on the cover the signature of the Jesuit José de Acosta, who was in charge of making the comparison between the printed original and the printed text.
Moralized chronicle of the Order of Saint Augustine in Peru
Calancha, Antonio de la (1638). Coronica moralizada del Orden de San Augustin en el Perú con sucesos egenplares en esta Monarquía. Barcelona: Pedro Lacavalleria
History of the evangelizing and institutional work of the Augustinian order since its arrival in Peru.
Treatise of the Gospels
Ávila, Francisco de (1648). Tratado de los Evangelios, que Nuestra Madre la Iglesia propone en todo el año desde la primera dominica de Adviento, hasta la ultima Missa de Difuntos (...) Lima: [¿Pedro de Cabrera?].
Bilingual sermons in Spanish and Quechua.
Elogio de Jáuregui (1781) by José Baquíjano y CarrilloPontifical Catholic University of Peru
Praise of His Excellency Don Agustín de Jáuregui
Baquíjano y Carrillo, José (1781). Elogio del exelentísimo señor don Agustín de Jáuregui y Aldecoa; caballero del orden de Santiago, Teniente General de los Reales Exercitos, Virrey, Gobernador y Capitán General de los Reyes (...). Lima: [¿Imprenta de la Calle de la Concha?].
Altogether, the books in our university's Special Collections are of enormous value to researchers interested in the history of ancient books.
Content: Sistema de Bibliotecas PUCP. Colecciones Especiales
Texts: María Estela Reaño
Photographs: Fabiola Montoya Hinojosa | Dirección de Asuntos Culturales
Photo editing: Mari Carmen Tovar | Jessica Morón
References:
Dirección de Asuntos Culturales (2018). Los tesoros culturales de la PUCP: archivos, documentos, libros y colecciones especiales. Lima: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.
Reaño, María Estela (2023). Portadas de títulos impresos durante los siglos XVI, XVII, XVIII y XIX del área de Colecciones Especiales del Sistema de Bibliotecas (Versión 1.0) [Conjunto de datos]. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12534/EQGZWT
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