"This detailed assessment of Andorra's geologic composition and history was authored by Silvino Thos y Codina, Chief Engineer of the Spanish Corps of Mines. It was published in Barcelona by Imprenta Peninsular de Mariol y Lopez in 1885. Andorra is a microstate on the border of France and Spain with a history of independent political power dating back to the 9th century. At the time of publication, the nation's sovereignty was under threat by outside interests during a period known as 'The Andorra Question.' The volume is dedicated to Bishop Salvador Casanas and undoubtedly had political motivations behind its creation. The book begins with an introduction referencing the 'recent diplomatic complications' before describing an 1882 investigation of Andorra's mineral wealth. Several appendices outline the national political organization and reference historical documents reinforcing the author's claims. It concludes with a folding topographic map titled Geological Sketch of the Valleys of Andorra that shows the locations of towns, churches, and sedimentary and hypogenic rock formations. According to the Library of Congress, "Under the pariatge, or pariage treaty of 1278, the Principality of Andorra was placed under the joint suzerainty of the Spanish bishop of Urgel and the French count of Foix (whose rights later were transferred to the French crown, later the government of France, and eventually to the president of France). La cuestio?n de Andorra (The Andorra question) in the title of this book refers to the struggle in the late 19th century over sovereignty between the Consell General (General Council of the Valleys, the elected assembly of Andorra) and the two co-princes of Andorra, Bishop Salvador Casan?as is Page?s and the government of France. The popular revolution of 1881, which took place in December 1880-June 1881, triggered tumultuous confrontations between the two co-princes and between their supporters. On the one hand, the French government grew more interested in the rights it had over Andorra and agreed to help improve communications if Andorra became administratively part of France. On the other hand, the bishopric of Urgel wanted to retain its rights over the co-principality. The majority of Andorrans were against becoming subjects to either one of the co-princes, which would mean, in effect, losing their independence as a nation, and they wanted to participate in the country's political life. Source." Sheet Width (in) See Description Sheet Height (in) See Description Condition Description "Ex-libris from the John Crerar Library. 94 thick, hand-cut pages + index rebound in full red cloth with gilt spine. Boards are a bit soiled and the authors advertisement has separated from the back. Bookplate on front pastedown, a few old rubberstamps, and a punch out on the title page. Includes folding map (about 14.4" x 10.6") with about 3" of separation along fold lines, repaired on verso with archival tape. Very good overall."
