The Inquisition Unmasked; being an Historical and Philosophical Account of that Tremendous Tribunal, Founded on Authentic Documents; and Exhibiting the Necessity of its Suppression, as a Means of Reform and Regeneration, Written and Published at a Time when the National Congress of Spain was about to deliberate on this important measure. 2-vol. set (Complete)
London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy, 1816. First English language edition. Hardcover. Large octavo. LXXVI, [2], 362, [4], 472pp. Contemporary pebbled cloth, with gold lettering on spines. Engraved frontispiece in each volume. This work is a fierce condemnation of the Tribunal of the Inquisition which caused its author to be exiled in Great Britain. During the Spanish War of Independence against the French invasion (1808-1814) the representatives of the Spanish Government escaped to Seville and then to Cádiz. At this time Puigblanch stood out among the liberals, who took advantage of the exceptional circumstances to make political reforms. He defended strongly the abolition of the Inquisition, and showed his arguments by publishing "La Inquisición sin máscara" (Cádiz, 1811-1813). For this reason, after the return of king Fernando VII, Puigblanch had to leave Spain in 1815. He established in London where he published the English (revised) edition of his polemic book: "The Inquisition Unmasked" (1816). This work is complete with its vignette and 11 engravings (including frontispieces). Lower corners bumped (not affecting pages). Offsetting on endpapers. Moderate foxing and age-toning throughout. Frontispiece and plate VI of first volume repaired at lower margin. Previous owner's inscription at lower margin of last page (Vol. 1). Binding and interior in overall good- to good condition. g- to g. Item #38320
Price: $375.00