A HISTORY OF THE LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

Paris: A. and W. Galignani, 1828. 4 volumes. First edition published in France. The book was published in England in the same year. Two large folding maps. 8vo, contemporary dark-blue half calf over marbled boards, the spines with red and black morocco lettering labels gilt, raised bands gilt ruled. xvi,472; viii, 517; viii, 434; vii, 513 pp. A handsome set with light aging or light rubbing at the tips, clean and very well preserved lettering labels refurbished at some time. IMPORTANT FIRST EDITION, Paris printing. This was a scholarly but popular biography based primarily on the work of the Spanish historian Navarrete. Navarrete had published his work on Columbus, which contained a number of previously unknown and significant documents. However, Irving felt that “the whole presented rather a mass of rich materials for history, than a history itself...[and] the sight of disconnected papers and official documents is apt to be repulsive to the general reader, who seeks for clear and continued narrative.” In fact, he felt that nearly every account had been incomplete while many important documents and manuscripts ignored. Thus, he hoped to offer a more rigorous and yet accessible account.
Written while Irving was a diplomatic attaché in Spain (1826-29), "it was the most painstaking effort of Irving's life, and it won him election to the 'Real Academia de la Historia', the friendship of Navarrete, and a literary reputation in Spain where the work is still quoted respectfully" (DAB). The American edition, published the same year in three volumes, had only one map. BAL
A testament to Irving’s often-neglected gifts as a historian.