The first scientific analysis of the American Southwest
Essai Politique sur le Royaume de la Nouvelle-Espagne.
Paris,
Chez F. Schoell,
1811
Large paper copy, two volumes text, quarto, (360 by 260mm) and atlas, folio (565 by 410mm), titles, and half-titles to text and atlas volumes, volume I with dedication leaf and 4-page dedication to Charles IV, atlas with 14 maps on 12 sheets (no. 1, 1bis, 2-11 and 18-19, with no. 6, 7, 8 on one sheet), 4 hand-coloured charts (no. 12-15), 2 sepia views (no.
16-17) and a final sheet with 2 tables (no. 20), some minor foxing to text volumes, numerous unopened leaves, quarter buckram over original green paper boards, with original paper label to spine, atlas volume, original half calf over red marbled paper boards, rebacked and re-cornered.
Collation: [8], xcii, [2], iv, [3]-350, [6]; [4], [351]-904, [2] pp.
16-17) and a final sheet with 2 tables (no. 20), some minor foxing to text volumes, numerous unopened leaves, quarter buckram over original green paper boards, with original paper label to spine, atlas volume, original half calf over red marbled paper boards, rebacked and re-cornered.
Collation: [8], xcii, [2], iv, [3]-350, [6]; [4], [351]-904, [2] pp.
11923
notes:
A fine example of Humboldt's scientific and cartographic exploration of the southwest of the United States; "A corner stone in any collection on Mexico" (Hill).
Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) "the Shakespeare of Science" was one of the most famous people of his time; a man that the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson described as "one of those wonders of the world".
The present work covers one of his most important scientific explorations. In 1799, accompanie...
Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) "the Shakespeare of Science" was one of the most famous people of his time; a man that the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson described as "one of those wonders of the world".
The present work covers one of his most important scientific explorations. In 1799, accompanie...
bibliography:
Andrea Wulf, The Invention of Nature (London: John Murray, 2015).
provenance: