Description
The first English edition of An Expedition From Pittsburgh To The Rocky Mountains by Edwin James, published in London in 1823.
Octavo, [three volumes], vii, [map], 344pp; vii, [1], 356pp; vii, [1], 347pp, [1]. Full brown calf, title in gilt over black label, raised bands. Includes the half titles in Volume II and III. Photograph of the Rocky Mountains, circa 1866, affixed to front pastetown of each volume. Front free endpaper removed in all three volumes. Ownership label on front pastedown of Volume II and III.
This work is complete, with fold-out map of the “Mississippi Country” by Sidney Hall, fold-out geological cross-section, and 8 aquatint plates by S. Seymour, including the frontispiece illustrations. Maps in near fine condition, faint transference along hinge, bright illustrations.
(Sabin 35682) (Howes J41) (Wagner-Camp 25:2)
An attractive set, scarce in this condition.
The first edition of this work by Edwin James was published in Philadelphia by H.C. Carey & Lee in 1823. This work includes the famous “Map of the Country drained by the Mississippi” by Stephen Long, which is credited with creating the “Great American Desert” myth, now known as the High Plains, east of the Rocky Mountains. With the discovery of the Ogallala Aquifer in the mid-19th century, settlers began to realize the agricultural potential of the region.
