An extensive history of the Portuguese Empire before 1585, including the discovery of the Americas, the activities of the Jesuits, and the succession crisis of 1580. As the title implies, the work also discusses the unification of Portugal and Spain, and is considered to be a fairly objective account of this event. It has been beautifully printed, with very large decorated, and even partly historiated, woodcut initials. The present copy includes the preface to the reader, which is sometimes lacking.
The work is divided in 9 books, which each discuss Portugal's history in chronological order. The first mentions Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) and his discoveries, as well as Portugal's settlements in Brazil (Bahia and Pernambuco). The work further contains information on Portuguese settlements in Africa, China, Japan, and India, Portugal's relations with the Moors, and the Jesuit missions. The final parts are on contemporary history, primarily the disappearance of King Sebastian I (1557-1578) in the disastrous Battle of Alcácer Quibir. As his only immediate heir, Cardinal Henry (1512-1580), passed away shortly after without descendants, Portugal found itself in a succession crisis. After internal conflict, the power struggle was won by Philips II of Spain (1527-1598), who united the Iberian Peninsula under one crown, although Portugal was allowed to maintain an independent law, government, and currency. The present work was considered anti-Spanish, as it notes Portuguese dislike of these events.
The vellum is somewhat soiled, with a small tear at the head of the back board, the sewing support at the head of the spine has broken, so the vellum is partly detached from the book block at the front, but still connected to the end paper, lacking 2 of the 4 closing ties. A paper label ("1350", the same one as on the spine) mounted on the front pastedown, a water stain in the margin of the title page, an ink stain at the bottom edge of some of the leaves, and a brown stain in the lower part of page 207-208, affecting a few words. Otherwise in good condition. EDIT 16 13070; OPAC SBN RMLE006588; Palau 313373; USTC 823649; cf. European Americana 585/16 (other ed.); not in Sabin.