Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Spanish Language in the British Museum. Vol. 4

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

52230

Title

Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Spanish Language in the British Museum. Vol. 4

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This authoritative volume catalogs Spanish-language manuscripts held by the British Museum, focusing on ecclesiastical history, private correspondence, and colonial affairs in Asia and America. Compiled by Don Pascual de Gayangos, it offers scholars access to rare diplomatic letters, theological debates, and administrative records from the 16th through 18th centuries.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1893 by Don Pascual de Gayangos, Vol. IV of the *Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Spanish Language in the British Museum* serves as a definitive reference for historical documents held in London's collection. The volume is meticulously organized into distinct classes, covering ecclesiastical relations with Rome, private correspondence, and extensive works relating to Asia, Africa, and America. A significant portion of the catalogue details the complex diplomatic and religious tensions between Spain and the Papacy during the early 18th century. It documents the interdict imposed by Pope Clement XI against King Philip V of Spain following the latter's recognition of the Archduke Charles as heir to the Spanish throne. The text lists numerous letters, decrees, and memorials exchanged between the Spanish Crown, the Grand Inquisitor, regional bishops, and the Papal Nuncio. These records chronicle the expulsion of the nuncio from Madrid in 1709 and the subsequent seizure of the Nunciatura archives. The volume includes royal letters from Philip V to the Archbishop of Saragossa, theological disputations regarding vacant church seats, and correspondence between bishops such as Cardinal Belluga and the Grand Inquisitor. Additionally, the catalogue provides extensive records concerning Tangier, featuring correspondence between British governors, including the Earl of Middleton and Lord Belasyse, and North African leaders like Muley Ismael. These papers cover treaty negotiations, commercial regulations, prisoner redemptions, and local governance issues from the mid-17th century. The collection includes drafts of peace articles, credentials for diplomatic envoys, and translations of letters between British officials and Barbary states. Functioning primarily as a scholarly reference tool, the volume provides manuscript identifiers, folio numbers, dates, and brief descriptions of contents ranging from theological disputes to trade agreements. It preserves the administrative history of Spanish ecclesiastical politics and British North African colonial administration, offering researchers access to primary sources that illuminate the geopolitical landscape of early modern Europe and its interactions with the Islamic world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Manuscripts
• Catalogs