The Geographical, Natural, and Civil History of Chili

A two-volume history of Chile by a Jesuit priest who lived there, published in English translation in 1809.

Giovanni Ignazio Molina (Author)

9781108049467, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 June 2012

402 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.3 cm, 0.51 kg

Juan Ignacio Molina (1740–1829) was a Jesuit priest born in Chile but forced to flee to Europe after his religious order was expelled from the Spanish Empire in 1767. He settled in Bologna, Italy, and began to write a natural history of his homeland, which was first published in Italian in 1782 (he is also known as Giovanni Ignazio Molina). He completed a second volume on the history of the people of Chile in 1786, and a version of the book was in the library of HMS Beagle. This two-volume English translation was published in 1809, and also includes notes from other explorers, including a 1791 account of Chile by Pedro González de Agüeros (1768–93) and a 1774 description of Patagonia by Thomas Falkner (1707–84). Volume 2 covers the 'civil history' of Chile, discussing the indigenous people living there and the arrival of Spanish settlers.

Author's preface
Part I: 1. Of the origin, appearance, and language, of the Chilians
2. Conquest of the Peruvians
3. State of Chili before the arrival of the Spaniards
4. Political establishments
5. First expedition of the Spaniards to Chili
6. The Spaniards return to Chili
7. The Copianins defeat a body of Spaniards
Part II: 1. Local situation, character, dress, and dwellings, of the Araucanians
2. Division of the Araucanian state
3. Military system of the Araucanians
4. Division of the spoil
5. System of religion and funeral ceremonies
6. Division of time
7. Rhetoric, poetry
8. Pride of the Araucanians
9. Matrimony and domestic employments
10. Food
Part III: 1. The Araucanians attack the Spaniards
2. Caupolican appointed Toqui
3. The Spaniards abandon Puren
4. Vilagran raises the sieges of Imperial and Valdivia
5. Don Garcia of Mendoza arrives at Chili
6. Don Garcia orders twelve Ulmenes to be hanged
7. Expedition of Don Garcia to Chiloe
8. Successes of Caupolican the Second
Part IV: 1. The toqui Antiguenu recommences the war
2. Paillataru elected Toqui
3. Establishment of the Court of Royal Audience
4. Government of the Marquis de Villahermosa
5. The toqui Guanoalco takes the forts
6. The toqui Paillamachu kills Loyola
7. Second unfortunate government of Garcia Ramon
8. Daring enterprises
9. Continuation of the war
10. A brief account of the wars
11. Present state of Chili
An essay on the Chilian language
Appendices.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]