PRIMARY SOURCES

ON COPYRIGHT

(1450-1900)

Petition for licence and privilege by Cervantes, Madrid (1604)

Source: Archivo Histórico Nacional; AHN, Consejos, 44826-1

Citation:
Petition for licence and privilege by Cervantes, Madrid (1604), Primary Sources on Copyright (1450-1900), eds L. Bently & M. Kretschmer, www.copyrighthistory.org

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2 translated pages
Chapter 1 Page 1

      Miguel de Çervantes, I say I have
      composed a book entitled the
      ingenious gentleman of la mancha, which
      I hereby submit. I ask and beseech Your
      Highness to grant me a licence and
      a privilege to print it for twenty
      years, taking into account the amount of
      work and study I have spent in composing
      the said book and because it is a pleasant
      and curious reading and of great talent, upon
      which I shall receive your goodness and favour.
      And for that, etc.
                  Miguel de Cervantes



Chapter 1 Page 2

      By order of Your Majesty, I have read a book entitled
      The ingenious gentleman of la Mancha composed by Miguel
      de Cervantes Saavedra y it seems to me, thus having Your Majesty
      been served, that a licence to print it could be granted because
      [the book] will provide enjoyment and entertainment to the people,
      something that any rule of good government should pay attention to.
      In addition, I do not find in it anything against police and good
      manners. And I signed it on my name, Valladolid, XI
      September 1604.                        Antonio de Herrera





Translation by: José Bellido

    

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