History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic, vol 1 | Page 4

[1] The only histories of this reign by continental writers, with which I
am acquainted, are the "Histoire des Rois Catholiques Ferdinand et
Isabelle, par l'Abbé Mignot, Paris, 1766," and the "Geschichte der
Regierung Ferdinand des Katholischen, von Rupert Becker, Prag und
Leipzig, 1790." Their authors have employed the most accessible

materials only in the compilation; and, indeed, they lay claim to no
great research, which would seem to be precluded by the extent of their
works, in neither instance exceeding two volumes duodecimo. They
have the merit of exhibiting, in a simple, perspicuous form, those
events, which, lying on the surface, may be found more or less
expanded in moat general histories.
[2] "To compile a history from various authors, when they can only be
consulted by other eyes, is not easy, nor possible, but with more skilful
and attentive help than can be commonly obtained." [Johnson's Life of
Milton.] This remark of the great critic, which first engaged my
attention in the midst of my embarrassments, although discouraging at
first, in the end stimulated the desire to overcome them.

PREFACE
TO THE THIRD ENGLISH EDITION.
Since the publication of the First Edition of this work, it has undergone
a careful revision; and this, aided by the communications of several
intelligent friends, who have taken an interest in its success, has
enabled me to correct several verbal inaccuracies, and a few
typographical errors, which had been previously overlooked. While the
Second Edition was passing through the press, I received, also, copies
of two valuable Spanish works, having relation to the reign of the
Catholic sovereigns, but which, as they appeared during the recent
troubles of the Peninsula, had not before come to my knowledge. For
these I am indebted to the politeness of Don Angel Calderon de la
Barca, late Spanish Minister at Washington; a gentleman, whose frank
and liberal manners, personal accomplishments, and independent
conduct in public life, have secured for him deservedly high
consideration in the United States, as well as in his own country.
I must still further acknowledge my obligation to Don Pascual de
Gayangos, the learned author of the "Mahommedan Dynasties in
Spain," recently published in London,--a work, which, from its
thorough investigation of original sources, and fine spirit of criticism,
must supply, what has been so long felt as an important desideratum
with the student,--the means of forming a perfect acquaintance with the
Arabian portion of the Peninsular annals. There fell into the hands of
this gentleman, on the breaking up of the convents of Saragossa in

1835, a rich collection of original documents, comprehending, among
other things, the autograph correspondence of Ferdinand and Isabella,
and of the principal persons of their court. It formed, probably, part of
the library of Geronimo Zurita,--historiographer of Aragon, under
Philip the Second,--who, by virtue of his office, was intrusted with
whatever documents could illustrate the history of the country. This
rare collection was left at his death to a monastery in his native city.
Although Zurita is one of the principal authorities for the present work,
there are many details of interest in this correspondence, which have
passed unnoticed by him, although forming the basis of his conclusions;
and I have gladly availed myself of the liberality and great kindness of
Señor de Gayangos, who has placed these manuscripts at my disposal,
transcribing such as I have selected, for the corroboration and further
illustration of my work. The difficulties attending this labor of love will
be better appreciated, when it is understood, that the original writing is
in an antiquated character, which few Spanish scholars of the present
day could comprehend, and often in cipher, which requires much
patience and ingenuity to explain. With these various emendations, it is
hoped that the present Edition may be found more deserving of that
favor from the public, which has been so courteously accorded to the
preceding.
_March_, 1841.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
INTRODUCTION.
SECTION I. VIEW OF THE CASTILIAN MONARCHY BEFORE
THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. STATE OF SPAIN AT THE MIDDLE
OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY EARLY HISTORY AND
CONSTITUTION OF CASTILE THE VISIGOTHS INVASION OF
THE ARABS ITS INFLUENCE ON THE CONDITION OF THE
SPANIARDS CAUSES OF THEIR SLOW RECONQUEST OF THE
COUNTRY THEIR ULTIMATE SUCCESS CERTAIN THEIR
RELIGIOUS ENTHUSIASM INFLUENCE OF THEIR
MINSTRELSY THEIR CHARITY TO THE INFIDEL THEIR
CHIVALRY EARLY IMPORTANCE OF THE CASTILIAN TOWNS
THEIR PRIVILEGES CASTILIAN CORTES ITS GREAT POWERS
ITS BOLDNESS HERMANDADES OF CASTILE WEALTH OF

THE CITIES PERIOD OF THE HIGHEST POWER OF THE
COMMONS THE NOBILITY THEIR PRIVILEGES THEIR GREAT
WEALTH THEIR TURBULENT SPIRIT THE CAVALLEROS OR
KNIGHTS THE CLERGY INFLUENCE OF THE PAPAL COURT
CORRUPTION OP THE CLERGY THEIR RICH POSSESSIONS
LIMITED EXTENT OF THE ROYAL PREROGATIVE POVERTY
OF THE CROWN ITS CAUSES ANECDOTE OF HENRY III., OF
CASTILE CONSTITUTIONAL WRITERS ON