First translation into French of one of the most valuable works on the history of the discovery and conquest of Peru. Augustin de Zarate (1504-1560) was sent out to examine the finacial affairs of Peru. He remained there several years, making notes and collecting material for the present work. He had access to the best official sources of information, and his work is the foundation for later works on the subject. The original Spanish edition was published in Antwerp, 1555.
The history starts with the Spanish discovery of Peru, and ends with the death of Gonzalo Pizarro and the restoration of royal authority by governor Pedro de la Gasca. Zarate has an elegant and clear style, strongly drawing the characters of the different heroes. A seperate chapter describes the two main players, Pizarro and Almagro. The accounts of the execution of Almagro, and of the assassination of Pizarro, are written with much spirit and picturesqueness; and the story of the misfortunes and final death of Atabaliba, a young Peruvian Inca, is very touching.
Zarate has tried very seriously to be an impartial historian. He was aware of the dangers of publishing his history during his lifetime, since it related to recent and controversial matters. But after Prince Philip - later King Philip II of Spain - had read a manuscript copy, publication was ordered. The work was well received, and also popular outside of Spain, since it was also published in Italian (Venice, 1563) and in English (London, 1581).
With a book binders label on the verso of the second free end leaf "Relié par Derome le Jeune ... en 1785". The boards are very slightly scuffed, internally some occasional minor foxing. Otherwise in very good condition. Chadenat 6466; Palau 379639; Sabin 106259; STCN 108630161 (2 copies); USTC 1560725 (5 copies); cf. Cox II, pp. 251-52; Rene-Moreno 784 (1808 French edition).