First edition of the second French translation of a history of the conquest of Spain by the Moors, detailing events from 712 to 761 CE, a description of Spain during the same period, and a biography of Almanzor (ca. 938-1002), the Islamic ruler of the Iberian Peninsula at that time. "This was a false chronicle, halfway between a history and a novel of chivalry, supposedly translated from an Arabic manuscript by a (fictitious) historian called Tarif Abentarique that Luna had found in El Escorial" (García-Arenal & Mediano). In the account, first published in 1592, the Iberian Peninsula is saved by the Arab newcomers from a state of evil and corruption under the Visigoth rulers. Luna's account is a defence of Arab culture in Spain, independently of the religion of Islam and particularly defending the Arabic language. "His writings attempt to reimagine the origins and history of Christianity in the Peninsula such that its inhabitants of Arab origin may be seen as "natural" or "native" ...; therefore they cannot be expelled as alien invaders ..., but rather, and above all, may aspire to honors and privileges" (García-Arenal & Mediano).
Miguel de Luna (ca. 1550-1615) was a Spanish physician of Arabic descent, who also published a treatise on bathing. Known for his knowledge of Arabic, he worked as a translator for King Philip II of Spain and the Spanish Inquisition.
With owner's inscriptions on the back of the first fly-leaf and the title-page. Binding lightly worn at the extremities; with a few spots; a good copy. Brunet I, cols. 16-17; García-Arenal & Mediano, The orient in Spain, pp. 155-164; not in Blackmer.