Historia General y Natural de las Indias Vol. 1

(complete)

An engraving of the imperial coat of arms of the Spanish Empire under the Habsburg dynasty. The central feature is a crowned double-headed eagle holding a multi-quartered heraldic shield. The quarters display the emblems of various kingdoms, including the castles of Castile, the lions of León, and the vertical bars of Aragon. The shield is surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece A prestigious Catholic order of knighthood founded in 1430; its collar consists of flintstones and steel links with a hanging golden ram's fleece. Flanking the eagle are the Pillars of Hercules, wrapped in scrolls with the motto "Further Beyond" original: "PLVS VLTRA"; the personal motto of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, suggesting the expansion of the Spanish Empire beyond the ancient limits of the Mediterranean. A small engraver's signature, "S. M. Blanco", is visible under the left pillar.

The General and Natural History

of the Indies.

1st part

General and Natural History A monumental work by Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo, who was the first official chronicler of the New World. "Natural history" refers to the study of plants, animals, and geography, while "General history" covers the events and people.