Antonio de León Pinelo / Juan de Solórzano Pereira - Sammlung der Gesetze der Königreiche der Indias (Recopilacion de leyes de los reynos de las Indias) - 1681-1973

Complete facsimile edition in 4 volumes of the historical statute work “Recopilación de Leyes de los Reynos de las Indias.” It is a faithful reproduction of the rare 1681 original edition (Madrid, Julián de Paredes), published in 1973 by the renowned Ediciones Cultura Hispánica in Madrid.

The work contains a foreword by the famous historian Ramón Menéndez Pidal as well as a substantial introductory study by jurist Juan Manzano. This law collection is regarded as the most important legal document of the Spanish Empire for administering its overseas territories (Americas and the Philippines) and is a milestone of colonial law.

• Volume 1 (Tomo Primero): Foreword, introductory study, and laws concerning the Church, the Council of the Indies, and the courts.
• Volume 2 (Tomo Segundo): Organization of justice, colonial administration and civil service structures.
• Volume 3 (Tomo Tercero): Trade system, royal finances, navigation, fleet regulations and coinage.
• Volume 4 (Tomo Quarto): Legislation on the status of the indigenous population (Encomiendas), discoveries, and the complete index (Índice General).

Technical data:

• Year of publication: 1973 (facsimile of the 1681 first edition).
• Format: Small folio (approx. 31 x 21 cm).
• Binding: Original softcover (softbound) with historical title-page illustrations.
• Text: Two-column print with period typography, splendid initials and heraldic crests.
• Condition: Very good and clean overall condition. The pages are complete, firmly bound and without handwritten notes. The covers show only slight, age-related signs of wear.