History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella – William Hickling Prescott – Heritage Press Illustrated Hardcover with Slipcase

A beautifully designed Heritage Press edition of William Hickling Prescott's History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, a classic historical account of the reign of Spain's famous Catholic monarchs.

This edition was published by The Heritage Press in New York in 1967, illustrated by renowned Portuguese artist Lima de Freitas and edited by C. Harvey Gardiner. It features the distinctive Heritage Press decorative binding, colorful illustrations, decorative map endpapers, and the original illustrated slipcase.

The book tells the story of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, whose marriage and joint reign played a defining role in the formation of early modern Spain. Prescott's work covers the political, military, religious, and cultural history surrounding their reign, including the conquest of Granada and the final stages of the Reconquista.

The example shown is especially attractive for collectors because it includes the matching illustrated slipcase and Heritage Club Sandglass newsletter, along with the striking green-and-tan decorative binding and colorful artwork by Lima de Freitas.

It would make an excellent addition to a history collection, vintage book library, Spanish-history collection, Heritage Press collection, or bookshelf devoted to beautifully illustrated classic literature.

Details

• Title: History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella
• Author: William Hickling Prescott
• Editor: C. Harvey Gardiner
• Illustrator: Lima de Freitas
• Publisher: The Heritage Press
• Publication Location: New York
• Publication Year: 1967
• Edition: First Edition Thus / Heritage Press Edition
• Format: Hardcover with original illustrated slipcase
• Language: English
• Pages: 294 numbered pages, plus preliminary material
• Dimensions: Approximately 9.5"H × 6.5"W × 1.5"D
• Binding: Decorative paper-covered boards with olive-green cloth spine
• Spine: Olive green with red title panel and gilt lettering
• Illustrations: Color illustrations by Lima de Freitas
• Endpapers: Illustrated color map of Spain during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella
• Slipcase: Original illustrated Heritage Press slipcase
• Included: Heritage Club Sandglass newsletter
• Subject: Spanish history, Ferdinand and Isabella, Spanish monarchy, European history
• Genre: History / Historical Nonfiction / European History / Spanish History
• Era: 1960s
• Country of Publication: United States
• Special Features: Illustrated binding, color map endpapers, color artwork, original slipcase, Heritage Club Sandglass

The 1967 Heritage Press edition is documented as a 294-page hardcover illustrated by Lima de Freitas and edited by C. Harvey Gardiner. Comparable copies specifically describe the same green cloth spine, decorative boards, illustrated slipcase, and map endpapers. 

Condition: New Condition

The book presents as a beautiful collectible Heritage Press hardcover with its distinctive olive-green spine, red gilt-lettered spine label, decorative tan boards, and period artwork depicting Ferdinand and Isabella.

The interior includes the colorful map endpapers and illustrated pages characteristic of this Heritage Press edition. The original matching slipcase and Heritage Club Sandglass newsletter are also included, adding to the collectible appeal of the set.

Please review all photographs carefully. The photos are part of the description and represent the actual item being offered.

Styling: This is much more than an ordinary history book—it is a beautiful decorative Heritage Press collectible.

The olive-green cloth spine, warm tan boards, red-and-gold spine label, colorful portraits, illustrated map endpapers, and matching slipcase give this edition a distinctive mid-century book-design aesthetic.

It would look especially beautiful displayed in:

• A traditional home library
• A study or office
• A history enthusiast's bookshelf
• A vintage book collection
• A European-history collection
• A Spanish-history collection
• A Heritage Press collection
• A curated bookshelf featuring beautifully illustrated books

The colorful artwork by Lima de Freitas is one of the edition's standout features, while the map of Spain during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella gives the book an especially attractive historical-reference quality.

This would also make a thoughtful gift for a history enthusiast, collector of classic books, Spanish-history enthusiast, European-history reader, or admirer of Heritage Press editions.

Shipping: This is a substantial hardcover book with its original illustrated slipcase and collectible Sandglass insert. It will be packaged securely to help protect the hardcover, corners, binding, slipcase, and included paper materials during transit.

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout and are paid by the buyer.

One of a kind. Once this Ugly Duckling finds its new home, it's gone.