237. SPAIN. LAWS. Ordenanzas de S.M. para el regimen, disciplina, subordinacion, y servicio en sus exercitos. Tomo I. Subdividido en tres tratados de Orden de S.M. Mexico: En la Oficina de Don Mariano de Zuñiga y Ontiveros, 1811. [14], 336, 357-466 [2 blank] pp. (text complete). 8vo (15.3 x 11 cm), full contemporary tree sheep, spine with gilt ruling and lettering, edges sprinkled red. Binding slightly scuffed with a few stains, interior crisp and fine.

            Later Mexican edition of an oft-reprinted work. Not in Medina, Palau, or other standard sources. It is not known if a second volume was ever printed. The work first appeared in Madrid in 1768 (Palau 202892) under the same title. Editions followed in Mexico before and after independence, including Hogal in 1770 (Medina, Mexico 5396 & Palau 202893) and in 1816 (conjectured), Benavente in 1815, and Galván in 1828. This edition not found in OCLC or RLIN.

            These regulations were Carlos III’s attempts to put his armed forces on a more professional footing. They were implemented as part of his program of reforms affecting Spain both at home and in its colonies in America and elsewhere. The work covers many aspects of military life and behavior, including maneuvers, weapons, tactics, and military deportment. Some form of these regulations stayed in force for many years, even after Mexico won its independence. ($500-1,000)

Auction 21 Abstracts