Juicio Imparcial Sobre Las Principales Causas de la Revolucion de la América Española, y Acerca de las Poderosas Razones Que Tiene la Metropoli para Reconocer su Absoluta Independencia.
Burdeos: Imprenta de Don Pedro Beaume, 1828. [4], vi, 182 pp. 8vo. Original green paper-covered boards, manuscript title on spine, marbled endpapers. First edition. A very good copy, minor paper splits, boards rubbed, margins lightly soiled, otherwise contents are bright and clear. Sabin 65112. Palau 236419. Spain & Spanish America II: 465. Item #43911
An important source for understanding the political and economic causes of the revolutions in America, European attitudes and machinations, and their impact on Spain. Though originally a strong supporter of the reconquest of America in 1824 shortly after the return of Ferdinand, by this book José Presas (?-1842), former secretary to Carlota Joaquina, who was ultimately expelled from Rio de Janeiro for political activities, had changed his mind: "Desde que la España tiene cortadas sus relaciones con la América, vé con dolor arruinadas sus fábricas, paralizadas las artes y la industria, abatida la agricultura, sin ocupacion la clase» obrera y menesterosa, y el reino todo en la mayor necesidad y miseria, sin poderse valer, para salir de un estado tan deplorable, de sus propios frutos y productos, que en vez de aliviarle empeoran su infeliz y triste suerte," p. 114. Instead, the economic benefits of recognizing the former Latin American colonies were of paramount importance, he felt, in this "influential book" (see Michael P. Costeloe: Response to Revolution: Imperial Spain and the Spanish American Revolutions, CUP, 1986, pp. 228). Cuba was another matter, as his last chapters note: "De la importante necesidad en que se halla la España de conservar á toda costa las islas de Cuba y Puerto Rico." Likewise keeping the Philippines was important for trade.
Price: $625.00