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Eyewitness account of the bombing of Algiers in 1688

ESPINOSA, Antonio de.
Copia de una carta que ha escrito desde la ciudad de Argel el padre procurador Fray Antonio de Espinosa, religioso calzado del Orden de la Santissima Trinidad, redencion de cautivos, y administrador de los cinco reales hospitales, que su sagrada religion tiene en aquella ciudad.
(Colophon: Madrid, Sebastian de Armendariz), 12 October [1688]. Small 4to (19 x 14 cm). With a large woodcut initial with a parrot. Disbound. 6 ll.
€ 2,500
Very rare first and only early edition of a letter written by the Spanish friar Antonio de Espinosa at Algiers, after the city had been bombed by the French navy in 1688. Espinosa worked as an administrator at the hospitals of the Trinitarian Order in the city. He describes the arrival of the French fleet on 26 June, the diplomatic actions between the French and the ruler of Algiers, and the subsequent bombing of the city. The bombing led to reciprocal trials and executions by Algiers's government against the non-native inhabitants of the city, including Espinosa. Algiers was an important base for pirates, who started attacking French ships after the city signed a peace treaty with Great Britain. The French responded with bombardments in 1683 and 1688, which led to a peace treaty in 1690.
Browned and with a water stain in the head margin, otherwise in good condition. Palau 82664; WorldCat (1 copy).
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Related Subjects:

Islamic culture  >  Military & Naval History
Middle east & islamic world  >  Africa