London: Faber & Faber, (1949) dj. Hardcover first edition - The first biography of this 16th century Portuguese adventurer and explorer who left Portugal in 1537 as a common soldier but whose travels were intended to help him establish himself as a merchant. Pinto traveled to the coast of India, Japan, China, and Malaya and more - was thrown into prison by the Chinese, introduced firearms to Japan, and succeeded in becoming wealthy but after meeting Saint Francis Xavier, he joined the newly formed Jesuit Society and headed a mission to Japan, only to recognize its futility. His autobiography - Peregrinacao or Pilgrimage - was published posthumously in 1614. While some of the claims in this work might have been inaccurate, Collis considers them compatible with historical events and Pinto's work as the most complete European account of 16th century Asian history. Includes 13 illustrations, bibliography, index. 313 pp