Books

Madrid: Imprenta de la Real Academia de la Historia, 1855. 4 vol. Folio. (12 7/8 x 9 inches). With half-titles, 15 lithographed plates total, 3 of which are folding, 1 of which is in colour. [Vol I:] (ii), cxii, (1), 632, (2) pp. 5 plates. [Vol II:] vii, (i), 511, (3) pp. 2 plates (1 folding). [Vol III:] viii, 651, (3) pp. 2 plates. [Vol IV:] viii, 619, (3) pp. 5 plates (1 folding and in colour). Dark brown half morocco and marbled paper boards, spines with raised bands in 6 compartments, lettered and ruled gilt, marbled endpapers. Uncut An attractive and uncut set of one of the great 16th century eyewitness accounts of the Spanish settlement of the New World, the definitive edition, "which contains so much material not included in the original Spanish editions that it may be properly considered a new work" (Howes). This opus represents an exhaustive chronicle of the initial Spanish forays into and colonization of the Americas, with a particular focus on the Caribbean and Central…

"La Historia General de las Indias" by Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés is a seminal work that chronicles the early exploration and colonization of the Americas by the Spanish. Written in the 16th century, Oviedo's work is not just a historical account but also a rich source of ethnographic, botanical, and zoological information, offering a comprehensive view of the New World as it was first encountered by Europeans. Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés (1478-1557) was a Spanish historian and writer who served as the official Chronicler of the Indies for the Spanish Crown. Oviedo's extensive travels in the Americas and his direct involvement in the administration of Spanish colonies provided him with a unique vantage point from which to document the conquest and colonization of the New World. His work is distinguished by its empirical approach; Oviedo was keen on direct observation and often included detailed descriptions of the flora, fauna, and peoples he encountered. "La Historia General de las Indias" is divided into several books, each detailing different aspects of the Spanish conquests, from the initial voyages of Christopher Columbus to the establishment of colonial governments and the exploitation of natural resources. Oviedo's work is notable for its detailed descriptions of indigenous cultures, including their social structures, customs, and ways of life, which he often contrasted with European practices. He also provides accounts of the natural environment, meticulously documenting the diverse species of plants and animals unique to the region. One of the most valuable aspects of Oviedo's narrative is his firsthand accounts of interactions between Europeans and indigenous peoples, including the often brutal consequences of these encounters. While Oviedo sometimes exhibited the biases typical of his era, portraying indigenous peoples in a manner that reflected European superiority, his work nonetheless offers critical insights into the impacts of colonization on native populations. "La Historia General de las Indias" is considered one of the first comprehensive descriptions of the Americas in the period following their discovery by Europeans. It served as a crucial source of information for Europeans, who were fascinated by Oviedo's accounts of exotic lands filled with unknown peoples and riches. The work significantly influenced European perceptions of the New World, shaping the policies and strategies of further exploration and colonization. Oviedo's detailed observations also make his work an invaluable resource for modern historians and anthropologists seeking to understand the early colonial period in the Americas. His descriptions of indigenous societies before their widespread destruction due to disease, warfare, and enslavement provide a glimpse into cultures that would otherwise be lost to history. The publication of "La Historia General de las Indias" contributed to the burgeoning curiosity and enthusiasm for exploration among Europeans. The detailed and sometimes fantastical descriptions of the New World fueled imaginations and ambitions, leading to increased expeditions and the eventual establishment of permanent colonies. However, the work also reinforced certain stereotypes and rationalizations for the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous peoples, which would have lasting consequences for the Americas.