Description of the conquest of Mexico by Antonio de Solis, with 14 copper engraving maps and views, "Histoire de la conquête du Mexique, ...", 2 volumes, French, Paris, Compagnie des Libraires, 1774 A.D.
AUTHOR:
Antonio de Solís y Rivadeneyra (1610 – April 19, 1686) was a Spanish dramatist and historian. His work includes drama, poetry, and prose, and he has been considered one of the last great writers of Spanish Baroque literature. He was born at Alcalá de Henares (or, less probably, Plasencia). He studied law at Salamanca, where he produced a comedy entitled Amour and Obligation, which was acted in 1627. He became secretary to the count of Oropesa, and in 1654 he was appointed secretary of state as well as private secretary to Philip IV. Later he obtained the lucrative post of chronicler of the Indies, and, on taking orders in 1671 severed his connexion with the stage. He died in Madrid on April 19, 1686.
TITLE:
"Histoire de la Conquête du Mexique, ou de la Nouvelle Espagne, par Fernand Cortez, Traduite de l'Espagnol de Dom Antoine de Solis, par l'Auteur du Triumvirat. Sixieme Édition. Tome I. [Tome Second.] A Paris, Par la Compagnie des Libraires. M. DCC. LXXIV. Avec Approbation & Privilége du Roi."
DESCRIPTION:
French edition of the "Historia de la Conquista de Mexico" by the literary gifted Spanish historian Antonio de Solis y Rivadeneyra (1610-1686), originally published in Madrid, 1684. Renowned for his historical knowledge, his taste for letters, and his kind nature, Solis was invited to become secretary at the court of Philip IV., and in 1666 he was charged with the important function of 'cronista mayor', the historiographer of the Indies.With plates including a general map of Mexico, some views of sailing ships, a view of Mexico-city, a large folding bird's eye view of Tezeuco, a map of the area surrounding the lake of Mexico and views of battles.
Ref. Sabin 86480. Chadenat 1992. Bn-Opale plus. Manque à Copac
PRINT:
Paris, Compagnie des Libraires, 1774 A.D.
BINDING:
bindings in calf-leather of the time
gilt-stamped spines with titles
SIZE:
each about 17.4 x 10.7 x 3.5 cm
ILLUSTRATION:
- 12 folded copper engravings
- 2 full-paged copper engravings
- exlibris marks in the inner front cover "Ex Libris J. C. Dezauche"
COLLATION:
Volume 1
- 2 blank leaves
- 1 title leaf
- 13 leaves foreword + index
- 287 leaves text (numbered pages 1-574)
- 1 not numbered leaf Privilege
- 2 blank leaves
Volume 2
- 2 blank leaves
- 1 title leaf
- 5 leaves index
- 262 leaves text (numbered pages 1-524)
- 2 blank leaves
Complete!
Condition:
- good condition
Binding
- good condition, partly rubbed
Paper
- good paper quality
- strong copper engravings
- hardly browning, few stains, only last leaves of volume 2 with some brown stains