A few years
ago a group of Spanish friends of the Order of the Golden Fleece decided to
create the most magnificent and complete reference book possible on the Golden
Fleece, and especially its Spanish version. Even with the support and assistance
of His majesty King Juan Carlos and the Chancery of the Order it took years
to produce, and its gilded red leather binding slowed the delivery even more.
The book is apx. 12" x 19" and over 600 pages. It is written in Spanish, but is fairly clear and easy to read with even a minimal knowledge of the language.
Works this special are rarely produced, and once sold out the book will seldom be available again.
This deluxe edition is now sold out, There is a much less expensive paperback edition that can often be found from Spanish booksellers, but it lacks most of the illustrations and is far smaller.
The book covers everything from the origins of the Burgundian Order, the history
of the order, a complete list of Burgundian and Spanish recipients with, where
possible, portraits, short biographies and coats of arms. To the left are the
robes for official gatherings, and on the right a sample page of biographies.
The printing
is some of the finest we have seen and is in full color throughout. In appearance
it is more like a late Medieval or Renaissance illuminated manuscript. A number
of special color illustrations were done just for this book. To the left, and
just below it, are pages on the early history of the Order, and below these a
double page illustration of a painting of a gathering of the Order in Spain in
the 17th century. 
The book also
depicts historical photos and insignia of the order. To the left is a photo of
King Alfonso XIII and his son, both wearing the Golden Fleece. Below is the insignia
set of the Duke of Wellington (now at Apsley House, London). 