Mexico. Colonial Bookbinding.

Francisco Pérez del Castillo. Receipt, signed by "Doctor de Muñoz" and "Gonzalo Fernandez", in Spanish, 1/2 page (12 1/2 x 8 3/4 in.; 318 x 222 mm), Mexico, 12 March 1566, issued to Francisco Jofre who signs on the verso for receipt of topaz; folded, cancellation cut mended, small fold tear. Blue half-morocco folding-case, gilt-stamped title on spine, loose English translation laid in.

Evidence of the book trade in colonial Mexico, a named binder.

A warrant of receipt of ordinary gold paid Francisco Jofre, an Indian, for having bound three small books for Francisco Perez del Castillo, mayordomo of a church ("s[an]ta ygl[es]ia de mexico"). Jofre signs an acknowledgment of receipt on the verso dated 16 March 1566. The receipt shows the care with which the royal authorities tried to keep track of gold and precious stones. The "Doctor de Muñoz" could be Alonso de Muñoz (d. 1568), the infamous royal inspector, sent that year to keep an eye on the colonial government.