4 volumes. [4], ccxxii, [2], 199; [4], 418; [2], xiv, 306; [4], 346 pp. 4 engraved title pages; portrait; 31 engraved plates; folding map; numerous engraved head and tail pieces. (4to) 11¼x8½, period mottled brown calf bordered in gilt, spines decorated in gilt, morocco title labels. First Spanish Royal Academy Edition.
Includes a biography of Cervantes, an analysis of the novel, a chronology of events in the novel, "proofs and documents" concerning the life of Cervantes by Vicente de los Rios, and variants between this and previous editions. The scaled map depicts the routes and the adventure sites of Quixote, based on observations about the land by Joseph de Hermosilla, Captain of Engineers. The portrait of Cervantes is a copy of the one donated to the Spanish Royal Academy by the Conde del Aguila. It was engraved by one of Spain's top engravers, Manuel Salvador y Carmona after Joseph del Castillo. Other artists and engravers include some of Spain's most outstanding illustrators: J. Brunete, A. Carnicero, G. Ferro, F. Selma, G. A. Gil, and others. The work was printed on paper made in Catalonia, and special type was cast for the book.
Condition:
Spines faded, several scuffs and pulls to calf, some wear to edges, small repair to head of spine on Vol. 1; first volume heavily wormed in margins throughout with no loss to text save for the page numbers on several leaves, a few holes with repairs attempted; several plates in this volume with a small worm hole in the upper corner of the image, one plate in fourth volume with heavy spotting; else very good.