HERRERA Y TORDESILLAS, ANTONIO DE The general history of the vast continent and islands of America, commonly call'd, the West-Indies..
London: Jer.[emiah] Batley (printed by Samuel Palmer and others), 1725-6. Six volumes, 19th century three-quarters morocco, top edge gilt, other edges sprinkled. First edition in English. 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches (19 x 12 cm); various paginations, with two engraved frontispiece portraits of Columbus and Cortez, three folding maps (two at ends of volumes, one in text), and thirteen plates (twelve folding). Joints a bit rubbed, some spines faded, a few pencil notations and a bit of toning, still generally a clean set internally, the large map of South America backed in linen.

Herrera's history, based on access to the archives of Philip II, III and IV of Spain, was published as the Historia general de los hechos de los Castellanos en las islas y tierra firme del Mar Oceano (Madrid, 1601-1615). The first edition in English of one of the primary accounts of the early Spanish conquests of the New World, originally published in Madrid in 1601-15. Herrera was the official historian to Philip II, and was able to examine many documents which were later destroyed, making his work a primary document in its own right. It is one of the most basic of New World histories. "These volumes are of the greatest importance for the history of the conquest, colonization, and progress of the Spaniards in America-Hill." Alden & Landis 725/95; Hill 804; Palau 114314; Sabin 31557.

C The Collection of Jay I. Kislak sold to benefit the Kislak Family Foundation

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