Beschreibung:

WILKES, Charles (1798-1877). Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition during the Years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842 . Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1845. The first octavo edition in original cloth “of the great American scientific voyage of the nineteenth century” (Forbes). The present is the imperial octavo issue of the United States government edition, of which 1000 sets were printed, being the first edition intended for the citizenry. Later octavo editions omitted the Atlas. The United States Exploring Expedition “was the first American scientific expedition of any size, charged to ‘extend the bounds of Science and promote the acquisition of knowledge,’ and was one of the most ambitious Pacific expeditions ever attempted” (Forbes). Forbes 1574; Haskell 2B, 17; Howes W-414; Rosove 353.B1. Six volumes, large octavo (283 x 184mm) including the atlas volume. Half-titles in all text volumes; numerous text illustrations; 63 engraved plates and 14 maps, in volume one: 8 plates and 1 double-page map; vol. 2: 14 plates and 3 double-page maps; vol. 3: 12 plates; vol. 4: 15 plates and 1 double-page map; vol. 5: 15 plates and 4 double-page maps; Atlas: 5 large folding maps, 2 of which are partially hand-colored (maps with light offsetting, very few scattered spots). Original cloth gilt (sunned). Provenance : John P. Jefferson (color bookplates); Gaston Renard Fine and Rare Books.