Interesting Dutch account of Spain's colonial establishment in Mexico with one map and 9 beautifully engraved views. The book includes the account of the explorer Hernan Cortes, a Spanish Conquistador who conquered Mexico circa 1520 and caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. The text is illustrated with views of native ceremonies, encounters between the Spanish and Native Americans, and a gruesome scene of prisoners being burned alive. The outstanding map of central Mexico was designed to illustrate the expedition of Cortes (here called Ferdinand Cortes), and depicts Guadalajara and Mexico City both situated on large lakes. The title cartouche includes a scene of natives bringing treasures to Cortes. The book contains 174 pages with an 18-page Register in the back. Rebound in marbled paper (19th century), lacking covers.

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Condition: A

The map and plates are clean and bright with occasional light printer's ink residue. One engraving has a chip in bottom right corner, away from image. Text is also clean and bright, and wrappers show light wear.