History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain by William H. Prescott - 1855

William H. Prescott, 1855 Book. Very Good. Hardcover. First edition.. 1855-59 Complete in three volumes, containing the original two volumes, and the later supplemental volume. The first edition of this work. An extensive look into the history, life, and reign of King Philip II of Spain. Philip was the song of the Holy Roman Emperor and King of the Spanish, Charles V, and Isabella of Portugal. During his reign the country ran into depth and saw five state bankruptcies, however his reign saw the Spanish kingdoms at its height of influence and power, sometimes called the Spanish Golden Age. Volume I with a frontispiece, and one plate. Volume II with a frontispiece, and one plate. Volume III with a frontispiece, and one plate. Written by William H. Prescott. Prescott was an American historian, and is widely recognised to have been the first American scientific historian. He specialised in late Renaissance Spain and the history of the early Spanish Empire. Bookplate to the front pastedown of Volume I, 'Par Sit Fortuna Labori, Francis Palmer'. Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso to the front endpaper of Volume I, 'Francis Palmer, 1856'. Condition: In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart. Rubbing to the spines and boards. Light bumping to the extremities. Small amount of loss to the spine labels due to rubbing. Bookplate to the front pastedown of Volume I. Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso to the front endpaper of Volume I. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean with the odd spot. A little offsetting to the title pages. Overall Condition: Very Good.