[AMERICAS]. HERRERA Y TORDESILLAS, Antonio de (1549-1625). Historia general de los hechos de los castellanos en las islas y tierra firme del mar oceano... Madrid: Oficina Real de Nicolas Rodriguez Franco, 1726-1728-1730.

8 decades and the Descripcion de las Indias Occidentales bound in 5 volumes, 4to (296 x 202 mm). 9 engraved titles, 14 engraved folding maps. (One engraved title and a few leaves with marginal repairs occasionally affecting borders, a few short marginal tears with old repairs, some minor spotting or browning.) Vol.II: contemporary limp vellum (some minor soiling, lacking ties); Vols.I, III-V modern quarter black calf, red morocco lettering-pieces gilt. Provenance: “JE” (brand on top edges of 2 volumes; Francisco González y Cossío (bookplates).

Second Spanish edition of this significant collection of Spanish narratives about the exploration and conquest of the Americas, drawing upon manuscript sources that are no longer extant. A critical work for the study of Spanish colonization in the Americas, preferred in the second edition because it was compiled, amended and enlarged by Andrés González de Barcia with the addition of the "Tabla General de cosas notables" bound at the end of vol.V. "There are copies of this edition dated 1727, 1728, 1729 and 1730, which are all alike except as the date—the work not having been completed till that year—the publishers changing the dates as circumstances suggested" (Sabin). Herrera was royal historiographer to Philip II, III and IV of Spain and his comprehensive compilation was first published in Madrid, 1601-1615. Alden & Landis 733/118; Borba de Moraes I:399-400 (first edition); Hill 805; Palau 114287; Sabin 31546.

Property from the Collection of Gaspar Mayagoitia Barragán