Arte de la lengua mexicana, y breves platicas de los mysterios de n. santa fee catholica, y otras para exortacion de su obligacion á los Indios
Author: Francisco de Avila
Year: 1717
Publisher: herederos de la viuda de Miguel de Ribera Calderón
Place: Mexico City
Description:
[13]+37 leaves. Small octavo (6' x 4") bound in later limp calf, extraneous later engravings mounted to endpapers. (Medina, Mexico 2478; Palau 20391; Pilling 193.) First edition.
This rare and significant work by Francisco de Avila, published in 1717, is a combination of a Nahuatl grammar and a religious manual intended for missionaries working with the indigenous people of New Spain. Avila’s work is valued by modern linguists because it reflects the Nahuatl spoken in the early 18th century, specifically the dialect of Milpa Alta, where the language is still spoken today. It is often compared to other famous Nahuatl "Artes," such as those by Alonso de Molina and Horacio Carochi, though Avila's version is noted for its practical focus on pastoral duties.
It provides a brief but complete grammar of the Nahuatl language (referred to as "Mexican" at the time). It covers phonology, morphology, and syntax, using Spanish explanations paired with Nahuatl examples.
Condition:
Minor wear; moderate dampstaining and wear, extraneous later engravings mounted to endpapers. One engraving colorized else a good to very good copy.
