Pinto, Fernao Mendez (1509–1583)

Portuguese adventurer, born at Montemor-o-Velho. In 1537 he set out eastwards and travelled for 21 years in southeast Asia; he fought and traded in China, Tartary, and the neighbouring countries, and went on a special mission to Japan in 1542–43. He was the friend and travelling companion of St Francis Xavier. In 1558 he returned to Portugal, where he wrote his famous book, Il Peregrinacao which was published in Madrid in 1614.