One of the most important early descriptions of Mexico, and a key factor in maintaining Spain’s interest in the New World.
The first Latin edition of Cortés’ second letter, after its original publication in Seville in 1522. The work was translated by Petrus Savorgnanus. This copy does not bear the portrait of Pope Clement VII on the verso of the fourth preliminary leaf which is not found with all copies.
Cortés’ second letter, dated Oct. 30, 1520, provides a vivid account of the people he encountered and fought en route to Tenochtitlan, painting a picture of an impressive empire centred around a great city. He relates his scrape with rival Velazquez and gives a wonderful description of the buildings, institutions, and court at Tenochtitlan. It is here that Cortés provides a definitive name for the country, calling it “New Spain of the Ocean Sea”. This letter is also important for making reference to Cortés’ “lost” first letter, supposedly composed at Vera Cruz on July 10, 1521. Whether that letter was actually lost or suppressed by the Council of the Indies is unknown, but there is little doubt it once existed.
As usual, the second letter is here bound with Peter Martyr’s De Rebus, et Insulis Noviter Repertis, which provides an account of the recently discovered West Indies and their inhabitants. It is often considered a substitute for the lost first Cortés letter.
Provenance: Johann Albrecht Von und Zu Haimhausen c 1660, engraved armorial bookplate; Carl Friedrich Philipp Von Martius, signature, John Murray 1833 pencil note declares “ Letters of Cortez given me by Dr Martius May 1833“, pictorial bookplate, partly printed in gold.
European Americana, 524/5; Sabin, 16947; Harisse, 125. Medina (BHA) 70; Church, 53.