Description
The first edition of History of the Expedition under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark, to the Sources of the Missouri, published in Philadelphia in 1814. Includes a remnant of the original foldout map.
Octavo, [2], xxviii, 470pp, [2]; [2], ix, [1], 522pp, [2]. Full contemporary tree calf, title in gilt over red morocco label. Expert restoration to binding, spine rebacked, period appropriate endpapers. Occasional toning and spotting throughout, dampstain to top edge of Volume II, but with minimal impact to text block. Both volumes with solid text blocks.
This edition is complete with five engraved plates, charts, and a portion of Samuel Harrison’s engraved map of the expedition. Includes a tipped-in, miniaturized version of the expedition map, engraved by W.G. Evans of New York. Light toning to plates, all with strong hinges, affixed to the text block.
(Mapping the West 7) (Graff 2477) (Howes L-317) (Wagner-Camp 13.1) (Sabin 40828)
An attractive copy of this cornerstone of North American exploration.
Each volume includes an ownership inscription from S.C. Collins, who noted a purchase price of $1.50 (plus postage) in January, 1880. This two-volume edition by Bradford and Inskeep (Philadelphia) and Abm. H. Inskeep (New York), is the first official account of the landmark 1804-1806 journey commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. The narrative was compiled from the original journals of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with editorial oversight by banker and writer Nicholas Biddle. Biddle was recruited by Thomas Jefferson and Clark after Lewis’ untimely death in 1809. Biddle performed the substantive editorial work, although Paul Allen was credited as editor on the title page. The final work was printed by J. Maxwell and issued with a large folding map engraved by Samuel Harrison based on William Clark’s cartography. (Erickson, 147-157)
