8vo (6 3/8 x 4 in.; 163 x 102mm). Woodcut initials and headpieces; title neatly repaired and remargined, folding engraved plate in facsimile, a few leaves with minor marginal repairs, blanks A1, B8, and K4 lacking, minor foxing. Full brown calf, bound by Worsfold, covers with multiple gilt rules, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and third with green and red morocco lettering pieces, others with repeat overall gilt filigree motif, all edges marbled, inner dentelles gilt, marbled endpapers; joint a bit rubbed. 

E. Daniel Liberman — Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, February 23, 1966, lot 26
— Sotheby's New York, June 3, 1997, lot 9

Church 549; Sabin 11289; Thomason, E.1586[1]; Wing C799

8vo (6 3/8 x 4 in.; 163 x 102mm). Woodcut initials and headpieces, folding engraved plate; title neatly repaired and remargined, a few leaves with minor marginal repairs, blanks A1, B8, and K4 lacking, minor foxing. Full brown calf, bound by Worsfold, covers with multiple gilt rules, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and third with green and red morocco lettering pieces, others with repeat overall gilt filigree motif, all edges marbled, inner dentelles gilt, marbled endpapers; joint a bit rubbed.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition. An English translation of 'Brevisima relacion de la destruccion de las Indias' (1552), a work described by Church as the "most gruesome" of its age. It contains graphic accounts of the cruelty of the Spaniards towards the Indians. Bartolomé de las Casas was the most fervent and influential advocate of Indian rights during his time. He lived during a period in which Spanish conquistadors viewed the Indians as natural slaves and barbarians. This translation is by John Phillips (1631-1706), a nephew of John Milton, and in his preface Phillips denounces the Spanish in language that recalls his uncle's fallen angels: "the Indians... received (the Spanish) as Angels sent from Heaven, till their excessive cruelties, the torments and slaughters of their countrymen mov'd them to take Arms against the Spaniards." The book is dedicated to "Oliver, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth," who is encouraged to punish "the bloody and popish nation of the Spaniards." Milton was Cromwell's official censor and it appears probable that this populist and gory translation by his nephew is intrinsically an extension of Milton's remit to promote the dissemination of pro-Protector propaganda.