SOLORZANO Y PEREYRA, Juan de. - Lot 291

SOLORZANO Y PEREYRA, Juan de. Politica Indiana ... Dividida en seis libros en los que, con gran distinción, y estudio, se trata, y resuelve todo lo relativo al descubrimiento, descripción, adquisición, y retención de las mismas Indias, y su govierno particular, asi cerca las personas de los Indios, y sus servicios, tributos, diezmos, y encomiendas... corregida, e ilustrada con notas por el Lic.do D. Francisco Ramiro de Valenzuela. Madrid, Imprenta Real de la Gazeta, 1776. 2 volumes in-folio (35.8 x 24 cm), (16)-438-21 pp. and (4)-522-132 pp. text in columns. Contemporary vellum, traces of lacing, title in ink on spine (small loss to upper board of vol. 2, soiling, rare small spots on edges). A good copy in its contemporary binding. Edition of the Politica Indiana by Juan Solorzano Pereyra (1575-1655), an important text for understanding Spanish politics in America after the discovery of the West Indies. A professor of law at Salamanca, Solorzano was appointed to the Crown's service in the Indies in 1609, "With his appointment, Don Juan was given the important task of compiling the scattered Indian regulations. In January 1610, he embarked for the Indies, arriving ... in Lima [where] he held the post of oidor to the royal court until his return to the peninsula sixteen years later." In it, he discusses the discovery of the Indies and their description, their particular government, the freedom and condition of the Indians, tributes, tithes, spiritual and ecclesiastical aspects, and so on. Fourth edition, corrected and expanded with notes by Francisco Ramiro de Valenzuela. Sabin 86537. Palau, 318984.