Auction details
9:00 AM PT - Nov 19th, 2008
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KALM, Peter. Travels into North America; containing Its Natural History, and A circumstantial Account of its Plantations and Agriculture in general, with the Civil, Ecclesiastical, and Commercial State of the Country, The Manners of the Inhabitants, and several curious and Important Remarks on various Subjects. Warrington: William Eyres, 1770 [vol. 1]; London: for the Editor, and sold by T. Lowndes, 1770 [vols. 2-3]. 3 volumes, 8vo (210 x 126 mm). Engraved folding map, 6 engraved plates. Ad leaf following the title in vol. 1, List of Subscribers in vol. 2. Modern full antique calf. Condition: scattered very minor foxing, usual offsetting from the plates. Provenance: early bookseller's description in ink on the front free endpaper ("contains the Flora Amer. Septent. by Forster, both the works are scarce & greatly esteemed"); John Gordon, M. P. (signature on front free endpaper). first edition in english, first issue with the Warrington imprint in the first volume. Between 1748 and 1749, Peter Kalm, a noted Swedish naturalist, traveled throughout the northeast of America, surveying the countryside, and recording notes on the inhabitants, the fauna, and the flora. Returning to his native Stockholm, he there published the first edition of his observations between 1753 and 1761. This first edition in English, translated by John Reinhold Forster, followed. Besides the works importance on the natural history of the region, Kalm provides a reliable contemporary account of the Philadelphia area and the Swedish settlements. "Most trustworthy description of Swedish settlements in 18th century Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania" (Howes). Howes K5; Sabin 36989; Streeter Sale 823; TPL 214.ImagesClick on thumbnails to see larger images: 
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