PINTO, José Correia de Mello e Britto de Alvim.

Joanneida, ou a liberdade de Portugal defendida pelo Senhor Rey D. João I. Poema epico.

      Coimbra, Universidade, 1782. Woodcut initials and headpieces. xvi, 445, (1) pp. 8º, recent antiquecalf, spine gilt, double gilt fillet border on each cover. Light spotting to first few leaves, very minor marginal worming to first and last few leaves, otherwise crisp and clean. Uncut and partly unopened. Overall a fine copy. FIRST & ONLY EDITION, rare, of Correia's only published poetical work. Written in 10 cantos, this ambitious epic poem is a Christian allegory in the style of Voltaire's @Henriade. The @Joanneida chronicles Portuguese history from the earliest times to the acclamation of D. João I in 1385, concluding with the Portuguese victory over Castilian forces at Aljubarrota which secured the Portuguese throne for D. João and ushered in a new royal dynasty.Correia was born in Coimbra, educated at its university and, after attempting a military career, retired to his @quinta outside Coimbra. He published several short works in his capacity as a member of the Academia Liturgica de Coimbra, and was a Correspondent of the Academia Real das Sciencias, Lisbon, until his expulsion for unknown reasons in 1798.Innocêncio IV, 297: noting the work's great rarity because few copies were sold. Monteverde 1843. Not in Ameal, Azevedo-Samodães, Avila-Perez or Palha. NUC: DLC, PU, MH.