Tan calf binding with gilt decoration and title on the spine. Tan marbled endpapers with all edges matching.

Dimensions are for one volume.

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A fine edition in its original binding which established the international name for Wiliam Robertson. A worthy addition to the history of Spain and Spanish America.

With multi volume history of Spain, Robertson was recognized by the Spanish authorities, and elected to Spain’s Royal Academy of History. The work was translated in Spain, with extensive additions from archival sources to which Robertson had no access. A Spanish reviewer of the draft translation of the History of America (1777), took issue with Robertson’s claims and the translation was never published. Historian D.A. Brading describes Robertson’s history as “the first sustained attempt to describe the discovery, conquest and settlement of Spanish America since Herrera’s Décadas.” His biography of Charles V “provided a masterly survey of the progress of European society, in which he traced the erosion of the ‘feudal system’ caused by the rise of free towns, the revival of learning and Roman law, and by the emergence of royal authority and the balance of power between states. It was the development of commerce, assisted by law and private property, which was held to be chiefly responsible for the advance in civilisation.”

William Robertson FRSE FSA Scot (19 September 1721 – 11 June 1793) was a Scottish historian, minister in the Church of Scotland, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh. “The thirty years during which [he] presided over the University perhaps represent the highest point in its history.” He made significant contributions to the writing of Scottish history and the history of Spain and Spanish America. For his history of Spain, he was elected to Spain’s Royal Academy of History.