This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[CALIFORNIANA]. HUMBOLDT, Al[exander] de (1769-1859). Essai Politique sur le Royaume de la Nouvelle-Espagne. Paris: F. Schoell, 1811. 8vos. Engraved folding map of the Western North America including California in volume I, engraved folding plan of elevations in Mexico in volume II. 5 volumes. Approximately 8 x 5”. With half-titles. 2pp. of ads at the rear of volume V. Near contemporary half mottled calf over marbled boards, spines ruled and tooled in gilt, 2 brown gilt morocco lettering labels (joints worn with some joints re-hinged, rear board of volume V nearly detached, spine loose on volume IV, some edgewear to bindings, some foxing in text, map with a tear along a crease near the upper center). Very good. Each volume with the noble bookplate of Baron Calthorpe. FIRST OCTAVO EDITION. “...of superlative California importance” (Howes). “This important work contains the most complete and accurate picture of the natural resources of Mexico available, and in 1824 was declared by a representative of the Mexican government to have contributed to the re-animation of the active industry of the nation. It also contains references to the early explorations of the Californias… This work is considered a founding work in the fields of economic geography and political geography” (Hill). Hill 843. Howes H786. Sabin 33713.