Ensayo Historico de la Isla de Cuba....
Nueva York: Imprenta Espanola de R. Rafael, 1842. viii,631pp. Contemporary quarter calf over marbled-paper boards, spine gilt, gilt leather label. Substantial scuffing and wear to spine and extremities, spine ends frayed, rubbing to boards. Hinges somewhat tender but holding strong, varying degrees of toning and foxing throughout. Good condition. Item #13073
A scarce historical work on Cuba by a Cuban-born, Spain-and-France-educated soldier and historian. Jacobo de la Pezuela (1812-1884) was born in Havana, went to school in Valladolid and Montpellier, then returned to Cuba in his thirties to serve at various army posts and also record the history of his native country. He published several works and later became a member of Spain's esteemed Real Academia de la Historia. In the present work, which translates to Historical Essay on the Island of Cuba, Pezuela begins at the beginning with Columbus's arrival on the island and continues to almost the present moment, concluding with an appraisal of the governorship of Miguel Tacon. In the last chapter, Pezuela also includes a section on "Negros emancipados" ("Emancipated Blacks"). A dense history of Cuba by a Cuban-born historian, published in Spanish in New York in 1842.
Sabin 61329.
Price: $550