Los quarenta libros d'el Compendio Historial de las Chronicas y Universal Historia de todos los Reynos de Espana. (Los XL Libros) (4 tomes)

Antwerp: Anvers : Christophoro Plantino [Plantin], 1571. First Edition. Hardcover. Good. Signed. [Chronicle of the Spanish Kings: 16th century printing by the Plantin press.] Complete, in four volumes. Folios. Bound in contemporary vellum, with manuscript spine titles. Signed by the author on the verso of title, v.1. (also contains a woodcut portrait of author). Collation: [28], 563, [14] p.; 561-1530 [15] p.; 659 [11] p. ; p. 657-1166 [1] p. Large woodcut on title with arms of Castile and other Spanish dynastic houses before the union. Refs. Palau 100101. Sabin 26666. Voet, Plantin Press 1238 (I.2). Peeters-Fontainas, 499. Adams G-244. <br> Garibay y Zamalloa (1533-1599) was from the Basque region of Mondragon in Guipuzcoa. He was the librarian and historiographer of King Philip II (the husband of Mary Tudor, Queen of England). Garibay y Zamalloa's history of Spain begins with Tubal (circa 3831 B.C.) He traces the influence of Egyptians, Chaldeans, Persians and Jews, and the part these groups latter played in the foundation of the cities of Seville, Cordoba and Toledo. The history continues with Carthaginians, the invasion of the Romans; the Caesarian period, and Roman Christian Spain. The first volume also comprises the history of Spain under Vandal, Gothic, Arab, Christian and Moorish domination, until the early years of the eleventh century. The second and third volumes deal chronologically with the general history of Spain up to 1566. The fourth volume deals with the separate history of the kingdoms of Aragon, Sicily and Naples, Navarre, Portugal, Cordoba, Castile, Leon, Granada, etc. An important history of Spain from its golden age. <br> This is an oversized or heavy book, which requires additional postage for international delivery outside the US.