Sarmiento, Domingo Faustino

12mo (145 x 90mm.), contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, flat spine gilt, additional printed leaf inserted between pp.242-243, pp.3-4 and last leaf (with errata) lacking and supplied in facsimile, binding slightly rubbed

INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR on the verso of the title-page, "Al Señor Gral Alvear, el autor, D.F. Sarmiento", i.e. General Carlos María de Alvear (1789-1852), the Argentinian statesman, whose politics were close to Sarmiento's; "Offert par l'auteur a M^r Feritin and Saint Denis (?), Bibliothecaire de Sainte-Genevieve", inscription on verso of flyleaf; "Semana Sarmentiana", stamp on verso of flyleaf dated Argentina, 1961, and with a postage stamp celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sarmiento on rear flyleaf

Sabin 77069

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

PRESENTATION COPY OF THE FIRST BOOK EDITION; this work was first published in parts in El Progreso in May 1845, and the book appeared in July. Sarmiento (1811-1888) was an influential figure in Argentina in the nineteenth century. His criticism of the government led to his exile in Chile, where this book was published. He later became president of Argentina.

In politics, Sarmiento was in favour of centralised authority rather than a more federal approach. Juan Facundo Quiroga (1788-1835), however, was a federalist, and Sarmiento used him in this work as a basis for discussion of Argentinian social and political issues.