1763 Letters Concerning The Spanish Nation Written at Madrid During The Years 1760 and 1761

Description

An Important Work, First Edition, Leather Binding

The author, Edward Clarke, was the chaplain to the British ambassador in Madrid, Lord Bristol. This work gives a brief historical introduction before discussing Clarke's own journey from London to Madrid, the religion in Spain, their literature, science, education and sport. There is also a catalogue of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew manuscripts in the Library of the Convent of the Escurial as well as topographical descriptions of Toledo and Segovia. In Spain and France this work was withdrawn from circulation due to Clarke's criticisms on Louis XV and his discussions on Carlos III. He also speaks poorly of Spain as early as the introduction, regarding the detainment of his luggage by the inquisition. He claims that his books were seized and the Earl of Bristol was 'obliged to speak twice to General Wall, before he could release the captives'.' Each chapter is told through the form of a letter written by Clarke. ESTC no. T144839. Text is continuous despite pagination error. Errata to the verso of the final leaf of the 'Historical Introduction' as called for. Several contemporary hand-written notes to the margins, from the hand of one Robert Travers A M Trinity College Dublin. These notes assist in understanding the text, for example where other books are mentioned the author is written to the margin. If a Pope is referred to, Travers has written which Pope to the margin. With the bookplate of William Stirling of Keir House to the front pastedown, and his crest blind stamped to the front board. Sir William Stirling Maxwell was a Scottish historical writer and art historian. The family motto is to the bookplate, which shares a name with the British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire 'Gang Forward'. Gang Forward was bred by one William Stirling Crawfurd who named the horse after the motto of Clan Stirling. He was successful in ten races and was one of the best colts of his generation. A facsimile of Sir William Stirling's signature is to the bottom of the bookplate. An important and scarce account of Spanish life during the eighteenth century; something that was not often documented by English people at that time.