PUIGBLANCH, Antonio. The Inquisition Unmasked: Being an Historical and Philosophical Account of that Tremendous Tribunal, Founded on Authentic Documents; and Exhibiting the Necessity of Its Suppression, as a Means of Reform and Regeneration. Translated from the author's enlarged copy by William Walton, Esq.

London: Printed for Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy; and J. Booth, 1816. First Edition in English. Two octavo volumes. Complete with all copper-engraved plates (including frontispiece and depictions of the secret tribunal, torture apparatus, and the auto-da-fé).

Bound in handsome 3/4 tan calf over combed marbled paper-covered boards, matching leather corners bordered with blind roll-tooling. Spines with raised bands, elaborately gilt in compartments with delicate floral and foliate motifs; contrasting red and dark morocco lettering and numbering pieces titled in gilt ("The Inquisition Unmasked" / "Vol. I & II"). Edges and matching endpapers finely marbled.

Near fine. Bindings are tight, supple, and structurally sound with sharp corners and bright gilt. Internally clean with only light, scattered toning and occasional minor foxing. An exceptionally crisp, complete, and attractive set. Books measure 8.75"x5.75".

Originally published in Cádiz in 1811 under the Hebrew pseudonym Natanael Jomtob, Puigblanch’s polemic is widely regarded as one of the most devastating and intellectually rigorous indictments of the Spanish Holy Office ever written. Published amidst the Peninsular War and timed specifically to influence the Cortes of Cádiz during debates over the Constitution of 1812, Puigblanch drew heavily upon suppressed primary tribunal records, trial transcripts, and papal decrees to prove that the Inquisition was incompatible with civil liberty, enlightened governance, and genuine Christian morality.

Following the Bourbon Restoration and Ferdinand VII's reinstatement of the tribunal, Puigblanch fled to London, where he expanded the work considerably. This 1816 two-volume English edition, rendered by the prominent British authority on Spanish and colonial affairs William Walton, represents the definitive and most complete version of the text. It is especially noted for its stark, evocative suite of engraved plates illustrating the architecture, clandestine trial procedures, penal garments (sanbenitos), and instruments of torture utilized by the Inquisition before its final suppression.