Voyage of the U. S. Exploring Squadron, commanded by Captain Charles Wilkes, of the United States Navy, in 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842: together with Explorations and Discoveries Made by Admiral D'Urville, Captain Ross, and Other Navigators and Travellers; and an Account of the Expedition to the Dead Sea, Under Lieutenant Lynch
Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850. First edition (?) No earlier years listed on OCLC. Hardcover. Large octavo. xxii,517,[10]pp. (Pages 6-22 numbered in Roman numerals). Blind-stamped brown cloth with gold lettering and gold decorated spine. Illustrated half-title page. The United States Exploring Expedition was a surveying and exploring expedition of the Pacific Ocean (the Southern Seas) conducted by the United States Navy from 1838-1842. The voyage was authorized by Congress in 1836. It is also known under "the Wilkes Expedition" in honor of its second appointed commander, U.S. Navy Lt. Charles Wilkes (1798-1877). This expedition was of major importance to the growth of science in The United States. Illustrated with full-page engravings and some drawings. In two parts: 1) Expeditions in the Pacific and the South Seas. 2) Expedition to the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. 10 page publisher's advertisement section in rear of book. Heavy age wear, water staining and chipping on binding. Parts of joints split but holding, hinges starting. Heavy foxing throughout, some images slightly affected, text easily readable. Head and tail of spine chipped. Stamp of "Mechanics Institute, St. John N.B." on title-page. Lacking map. Binding in poor, interior in fair condition. Good reading copy. Item #21160
Price: $50.00