4to, (172 x 120 mm). 4 ff., woodcut on title repeated on reverse with different woodcut borders, two small woodcuts below the colophon. Dark green morocco gilt by Francis Bedford, raised bands to spine, triple gilt fillet to boards, spine tooled and lettered in gilt, all edges gilt. Overall uniform light browning, excellent condition despite some inconsequential foxing spots.

The Gesta summarizes Portugal's key military actions in 1505 undertaken by Francisco de Almeida (1450-1510), the first viceroy of Portuguese India, during whose administration the Portuguese discovered Ceylon, the Maldives, and Madagascar. The mission's goal was to secure control of the spice trade and build forts and trading posts on the east coast of Africa and in India, to forge alliances with local lords. The account covers the sacking of Mombasa, and acts of both construction and destruction all down the west coast of India, most notably in Anjediva, Honnavar, Kannur, and Kochi. Framed as a Christianizing enterprise, the text names Pedro Alfonso Malheiro, chaplain to the Cardinal-Bishop of Porto, as responsible for preparing the account, aligning it with the papal news network that disseminated reports on the Estado da India. The Gesta further documents the first European arrival in Sri Lanka. This work described events mere months after their occurrence.

It gives a summary of Portugal's key military actions in 1505 undertaken by Francisco de Almeida (1450-1510), the first viceroy of Portuguese India. His voyage was distinguished from those of Vasco da Gama or Cabral by his mission as viceroy, a would-be ruler rather than trading partner. The account covers the sacking of Mombasa, and acts of both construction and destruction all down the west coast of India, most notably in Anjediva, Honnavar, Kannur, and Kochi. Lourenço de Almeida, son of Francisco de Almeida, was the first Portuguese to reach Sri Lanka, accidentally landing while en route to the Maldives. In describing his visit, this work is believed to contain the earliest printed reference to that island, identified by its classical name “Taprobana”. The first edition was unillustrated.

VD16 P 4378.