CHARLES II, KING OF SPAIN - LAWS OF REINOS DE LAS INDIAS (AMERICA AND PHILIPPINES) - 1791

Subject: Old book from the second half of the 18th century. Colonialism. Law. America and Philippines - Charles II.

Publication: Madrid, por la viuda de D. Joaquín Ibarra, 1791.

Physical description: Folio (30.5 x 21 cm). 3 volumes. Volume I: 6 pages including cover, 660 pages. Volume II: 3 pages, 613 pages. Volume III: 2 pages, 562 pages, 1 blank page, 262 pages. Original binding full leather, decorated with double label and gilt on the spine.

Condition: Good condition. Very clean paper and original binding. Volume I with tiny xylophagous spots that do not affect reading.

Notes: La Recopilación de Leyes de los Reynos de las Indias was a compilation of the legislation enacted by the Spanish monarchs in order to regulate their possessions in America and the Philippines (Indies). It was carried out by Antonio de León Pinelo and Juan de Solórzano Pereira and approved by Charles II of Spain (1665-1700) through a pragmatic, signed in Madrid, on May 18, 1680.

First Book: "De la Santa Fé Católica" (About the holy Catholic Faith). Second Book: "De las Leyes, Provisiones, Cédulas, y Ordenanzas Reales" (Of the Laws, Provisions, Cedulas, and Royal Ordinances). Third Book: "De el Dominio, y jurisdicción Real de las Indias" (About the Dominion, and Royal Jurisdiction of the Indies). Fourth Book: "De los Descubrimientos" (About the Discoveries). Fifth Book: "De los Términos, División, y Agregación de las Gobernaciones" (About the Terms, Division, and Aggregation of the Governorships). Sixth Book: "De los Indios" (About the Indians). Seventh Book: "De los Pesquisidores, y jueces de Comisión" (About the Investigators, and Commission Judges). Eighth Book: "De las Contadurías de Cuentas, y sus Ministros" (About the Accounting Offices, and their Ministers). Ninth Book: "De la Real Audiencia, y Casa de Contratación, que reside en Sevilla" (From the Royal Court and House of Trade, which resides in Seville). 

Contains very interesting data on America and the Philippines such as:

- Navigation and trade in the Philippine Islands, China, New Spain and Peru.

- Loading and unloading of ships.

- Manufacturers and caulkers, factories and fittings for ships.

- Good treatment of Indians, etc.

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