Bestiary of Don Juan of Austria. Ed. Siloe

He Bestiary of Don Juan of Austria It is the only bestiary in the Spanish language in the world, according to the knowledge available in the 16th century. The original is preserved in the Monastery of Santa María de la Vid (Burgos). Attributed to Martín Villaverde (Villaxide). Circa 1570.

This facsimile edition was awarded the Fray Luis de León Prize 1999 for the best editorial work in Special Editions and Facsimiles.

1998 edition, now out of print. Limited edition of 696 numbered copies, authenticated with a notary's certificate.

Facsimile format 20 x 35 cm, bound in blind-tooled leather, 2 gilt clasps, raised bands and title label. 245 folios on aged laid paper, cut one by one, 490 pages full of wonders, secrets and a multitude of realistic colored drawings of candid naiveté that anticipate the “naif”.
Study book bound in Dutch leather and cloth, 18.5 x 25 cm format. 300 pages on cream laid paper, with studies and the complete transcription of the text for better reading.
Both the facsimile and the study book are presented in an open box-case for better preservation, measuring 20 x 25.5 x 11 cm.

This manuscript, badly damaged throughout its history, is curiously made all the more appealing by the excellent quality of this facsimile. It's a manuscript that allows us to experience the work of its author as if we were in his workshop over 400 years ago.