CHARLEVOIX (Pierre Fr.-Xavier de). Histoire du Paraguay. Paris, Didot, 1756; 3 vol. in-4 (251 x 193 mm), blond speckled basane, ribbed spines decorated with gilt fleurons (contemporary bindings). 7 maps including those of South America (by Bellin), Paraguay, the River Plata, and several plans including that of Buenos Aires. First edition. One of the most important works for our knowledge of Paraguay and the missions in Brazil. Charlevoix had spent a long time in America and collected first-hand accounts from former missionaries. Appreciated by the Regent, but also by Maurepas and d'Aguesseau, "his concern for accuracy and his breadth of vision earned him the esteem of philosophers. Raynal, Buffon and Diderot borrowed much from him" (J. Sgard, Dict. des journalistes). A very fine copy, elegantly bound (minor damage to upper covers).