This series of books and other documents is without a shadow of a doubt the most important bibliographical legacy of the recent commemoration of the 5th centenary of the discovery of America. Like the Raccolta Italiana in 1892, it will be a landmark for scholars and bibliophiles of the future.
The perfection of the facsimile reproduction makes the 24 volumes in the Tabula Americae Collection truly worthy of their title: Image of America. This collection is a true bibliographical jewel, not only because of the precision and beauty of the reproductions, but also because of its important documentary value.
The collection ranges from manuscripts and incunabula dating from before the Admiral's arrival in America, to collections of documents on the organisation, extension and exploitation of his discoveries and those of his contemporaries.
The series is divided into six main sections. The first is devoted to the Admiral's own library and includes the reproduction of one manuscript and three incunabula. All reflect the culture and knowledge of the period, and all bear glosses and annotations in the Admiral's own hand. These annotations give us an insight into his tastes and interests, his obsessions and preoccupations, occasionally showing a man affected by poor health and weariness.
The second section comprises two of the most important maps emerging from the discovery of America: the Oliva Atlas and the Juan de la Cosa Map.
There follow two sections each made up of six titles: Columbian Documents begins with the Admiral's diary and ends with a collection of documents which includes his will; Documents of the Columbian Period reproduces collections of documents with commentaries by a number of authors enabling us better to understand the complex political and diplomatic relations of the time.
Portuguese Documents comprises three titles revealing the difficult relationship between the neighbouring states, and the race for new discoveries.
Lastly, Documents on America includes two outstanding codices and documents on the earliest explorations of Maya ruins.
Contact Us Scriptorium Beatus Tabula Americae Thesaurus Americae Phillip II Charles V Maps & Documents Drawings & Engravings
Deed of Marriage and Testament of Queen Isabela of Castle
Columbian Documents from the Library of the House of Alba
Bulls of Pope Alexander VI on the New World
Book of Marco Polo or the Wonders of the World
Testament of Ferdinand Columbus
Portulan Atlas by Juan Rizco (Oliva Atlas)
Columbian Documents from the Simancas Record Office
Libro Copiador de Cristobal Colón
Historia Rerum Ubique Gestarum
Columbus Success and the Discovery and Exchange System