An Account of the Spanish Settlements in America. In Four Parts.

A lovely example of this survey of Spanish America in the year Spain acquired Louisiana from France.

John Campbell (1708-1775) was a prolific and savvy author who mostly produced military and political histories and surveys of the European powers as well as the Americas. He often, as here, left his name off the title pages of his works as he was frequently borrowing heavily from other sources and accounts. He produced this work during the year that Spain entered the Seven Years War against Britain and Portugal, with the end result being a swapping of Florida into the hands of the British in return for France ceding Louisiana to Spain. The final chapter comprises 'The accounts published by authority, of the siege and surrender of the Havannah, the chief town of the island of Cuba', the major British offensive against Spain in August of that year which would shortly be followed by the capture of Manilla. With Spain's hold weakened in America, more and more British entrepreneurs and settlers headed to the Americas to make their fortune, showcased by the boom in Havana during the year of its British occupation.

First edition; 8vo (21 x 13.5 cm); engraved folding map containing inset view of Havana (with long closed tear repaired), ownership inscription to title; contemporary full speckled calf, spine in six gilt ruled compartments, gilt red morocco lettering piece, all edges speckled red, spine professionally refurbished, circular stain to lower board; xvi, 512 pp.