Antonio de Solis was a Spanish playwright and historian, whose most famous work is his History of the Conquest of Mexico, first published in Spanish 1684. The first French translation appeared in 1691 in a single-volume quarto edition, and again in 1692 in a two-volume 16mo edition. Historia de la Conquista de Mexico was popular on both sides of the Atlantic and was republished in numerous European languages for over 100 years. Solis chronicles the conquest of Mexico by Ferdinand Cortes, beginning with his appointment to command the Spanish army and ending with the capture of Mexico City. His work illuminates the lives of the native population and the relationship between Cortes and Montezuma. The work features two maps: the first is of Mexico and the second is of Mexico City and the surrounding area. Also included are 12 plates depicting battle scenes, coastal views, temples, and natives.

Complete. 412 pp., 378 pp., index, 2 folding maps, 12 folding plates. 16mo. Original full leather binding, with raised bands and gilt lettering on spine.

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Condition: B+

The maps, plates and text are all very good with light toning and scattered foxing. The folding maps and a couple of the folding plates have short binding tears. The bindings are sound. The hinges are starting, the covers have some shelf wear, and the spine has minor cracking.