Libro del caballero Zifar [facsimile reproduction of Bibliothèque nationale de France, ms. Espagnol 36]

Barcelona: M. Moleiro Editore, 1996. FIRST EDITION OF THE FACSIMILE. With 242 decorated miniatures. Full calf with gilt border on both covers, red Moroccan spine decorated in gilt insignia, laurel wreaths, and stars; painted endpaper and gilt dentelles. Preserved in a red Moroccan and gilt case. Fine, as if never opened. First edition of this gorgeous facsimile, No. 649 of 987 printed. The Libro del caballero Zifar was the first adventure story ever written in Spain. Dating to the early fourteenth century, this adaptation of the life of Saint Eustace infuses chivalric drama with Christian ideals. It follows Zifar, a knight who becomes a king after being forcibly separated from his family. One of the most important Spanish romances, the text also showcases the international scope of literature of the period, drawing on Arabic stories, geography, and science.

The authorship of the manuscript has been debated. It was likely written by Ferrand Martínez, a cleric from Toledo and secretary of Alfonso X of Castille, who appears as a character in the prologue.
This facsimile reproduces the “Paris Manuscript,” one of two located in the Bibliothèque Nationale that transmitted the text; the third original is located in the National Library of Spain. Our copy includes the original signed certificate of authentication laid in.

(offered with)

RICO, Francisco & RAMOS, Rafael eds.)

Libro del caballero Zifar. Códice de París. Barcelona: M. Moleiro Editore, 1996.

Folio. 330 pp. With 157 colored illustrations. Burgundy cloth with the original dust jacket. A fine copy, as if never opened, with a signed advertisement letter from the publisher.

First edition. A richly illustrated volume of essays to accompany the Libro del caballero Zifar facsimile. Several Spanish scholars of Medieval literature and history provide a guide to the text and illustrations, situating it within fourteenth-century Spain and manuscript historiography.