Beschreibung:

Title: Wanderings in South America, the North-West of the United States, and the Antilles, in the Years 1812, 1816, 1820, and 1824. With Original Instructions for the Perfect Preservation of Birds, &c. For Cabinets of Natural History Author: Waterton, Charles Place: London Publisher: J. Mawman Date: 1825 Description: [iii]-vii, [1], 326 pp. Copper-engraved frontispiece. 27.3x21 cm. (10¾x8¼"), full tan calf, blindstamped decorative cover borders, gilt-decorated spine, gilt-lettered black leather spine label, all edges marbled. First Edition. A traveler and zealous naturalist, Waterton was also an accomplished taxidermist. The hairy, man-like "Nondescript" which comprises the frontispiece was made up from various odds and ends, and as Hill describes it, "His country neighbors in Yorkshire believed he had a real stuffed human being on his premises, which almost caused a local riot. Waterton's travels took him throughout the wilds of Demerara, Brazil, and Guiana, and he also visited Guadeloupe, Barbados, and many parts of North America. His narrative is full of descriptions of birds, animals, and Indians, and it is an outstanding work on the natural history of Columbia and Venezuela. Waterton made five voyages to America, 1804-1806, 1812, 1816, 1820, and 1824." Hill, Pacific Voyages, p.319-20; Palau 374216; Howes W158; Sabin 102094. With the engraved armorial bookplate of Edward Salvin Bowlby on front pastedown. Lot Amendments Condition: Corners bumped; light foxing to early and late leaves; very good. Item number: 243624