“STIRRING EVENTS AND THRILLING SCENES”: PRESCOTT’S DRAMATIC HISTORIES OF SPAIN IN THE NEW WORLD

PRESCOTT, William H. History of the Conquest of Mexico… WITH: History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella… WITH: History of the Conquest of Peru. London: Bickers & Son, 1878, 1879, 1893. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full tan polished calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, black morocco spine labels, gilt school crests on front covers, marbled endpapers and edges. $1400.

Later editions of three of William Prescott’s classic histories of Spain’s conquest of the New World, handsomely bound in calf-gilt prize bindings by Bickers & Son.

"History for Prescott was primarily a form of polite literature, written quite as much for the entertainment as for the instruction of his readers; it was, therefore, in the recounting of stirring events and thrilling scenes that he took pleasure and excelled." His works today remain standard authorities and reflect "the scrupulous care and integrity with which he used his materials, and the pains he took to find the exact truth" (DAB). "As a writer, Mr. Prescott occupies a distinguished place in the first rank of English historians. His fidelity and industry—qualities which form the foundation of historical merit—are universally acknowledged" (Allibone, 1674). Prize bindings, with ink prize inscriptions to recipients on the front flyleaf of each volume.

Interiors clean. Minor dampstain to covers of Mexico and Peru, light expert restoration to joints and extremities. An exceptionally good, quite handsome set.