First edition of a detailed description of São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous island in the Azores, printed in its capital. The author, Joaquim Candido Abranches (dates unknown), was a long-time resident. The present work is his only work. It gives a variety of historical, ecclesiastical, economic, and political information about São Miguel. The lithographed map shows the towns and geographical features. The plates, including a large, folding panorama of the waterfront of Ponta Delgada, shows views of towns, religious and governmental buildings, and costumes. The work ends with tables on the export of the island, school attendance, expenses at local schools, and the height above sea level of various locations of the island.
With a contemporary ownership annotation on the title page, mentioning that the copy was a gift. The spine is slightly rubbed, especially at the head and foot, a small hole at the foot. The leaves are somewhat browned and the plates are somewhat foxed. Otherwise in good condition. Canto, Inventario 10; Canto, Biblioteca Açoriana 1178; Innocêncio XII, p. 30; not in Afonso, Bibliografia geral dos Açores.