Preface "Al lector" in Spanish, text allegedly in Nahuatl.

There is some question as to whether this work is in Nahuatl or Pipil. Unfortunately, the anonymous author's discussion in the preface "Al lector" as to the differences between the two and between "high Aztec" only serves to confuse the matter.

Caption title. Parallel title from ms. title page added by abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg to only known copy in the world.

Place of publication and printer statements from Brasseur de Bourbourg's added ms. title page. Century of publication from his Bib. Mexico-Guatémalienne. Medina, who took his description of the title from Brasseur de Bourbourg, gives the following imprint statement, based on Brasseur de Bourbourg's assertion that this work was issued "En la imprenta de las Animas": "Impresa en la Nueva Guatemala en la Imprenta de las Benditas Animas, que dirige D. Alejo Mariano Bramonte. Año 17.." Based on the paper stock and the typography, however, the work was printed no later than circa 1750 and very likely in the 17th century as Brasseur de Bourbourg surmised. If there was an "Imprenta de las Animas" in 17th century Guatemala, no other works appear to have survived.

Signatures: pi1 [par.]² A-Q²

Brasseur de Bourbourg. Bib. Mexico-Guatémalienne, p. 141.

Medina, J.T. Guatemala, 1082.

Sabin 94826.

Viñaza. Bib. española de lenguas indígenas, 847.

Provenance of John Carter Brown Library copy: abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg: bookplates; Alphonse Louis Pinart: bookplate.

John Carter Brown Library copy missing title page; excessively trimmed, some loss of text. Has added secondary foliation in ms. (229-261)