A Landmark History of Mexico
Historia Antigua de Megico.
London: R. Ackermann, 1826.
sacada de los Mejores Historiadores Espanoles, y de los Manuscritos, y de las Pinturas Antiguas de los Indios... London: R. Ackermann, 1826.
First edition in Spanish (originally published in Italian in 1780, and then in English in 1787). Two octavo volumes. [xxxii], 432 pp., with one fold-out map and nineteen inserted plates (two are fold-out); iv, 449, [1, “Nota”], [2, publisher’s list of books in Spanish] pp., with one fold-out map and one inserted plate.
Later half red morocco over contemporary marbled paper boards, spines lettered in gilt. Some rubbing to boards, small embossed ownership stamps to both title-pages, bookplates, some light soiling in text, two plates in vol. I have a small amout of neat amateur coloring. Still, a near fine set.
“The first great Mexican historian who, by combining scientific method with profound critical insight and solid learning, was to present a marvelous picture of both the Aztec civilization and the accomplishments of the conquistadors, was the abbot Don Francisco Javier Clavijero...Clavijero was well prepared to write the History: from his youth he had familiarized himself with the languages, customs, and character of the Indians, as well as with nature, which he had found opportunity to study while roaming through the regions governed by his father...He divided it into ten books, and begins by the describing the geography of the Valley of Mexico...He presents a picture of political and military life of the Aztecs and of the other leading tribes of the Valley. He delves into their inner life: religion, customs, culture, social organizations, and sources of activity and wealth. He establishes, for the first time, the chronology of the indigenous peoples" (Peña, C.G., History of Mexican Literature, pp. 130-134). Palau p. 515.
HBS 66813.
$2,250.
Price: $2,250.00
Item #66813