[AMERICAN EXPLORATION]. CARVER, J[onathan] (1710-1780). Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America, in the Years 1766, 1767, and 1768. London: Printed for the Author by William Richardson, 1779. 8vo. Illustrated with 2 inserted folding maps (including the rare “A New Map of North America”), and 5 inserted copper plates (only 4 are called-for, the 5th plate is of a tobacco plant shown in the second edition). [24], [i]-543, [1, Directions for Placing the Maps and Plates] pp. Approximately 8 1 / 8 x 5”. Bound in early twentieth century half green crushed green levant morocco over marbled boards, spine tooled and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, top edge gilt, marbled endleaves (spine sunned and rubbed, corners bumped and worn, occasional foxing in text, plates and maps foxed). Near fine. SECOND EDITION. This excellent book describes Carver’s expedition, which traveled further west than any other explorer had before the Revolutionary War; he was also the first English-speaking explorer to journey west of the upper Mississippi river. He was also the first to use the name, “Oregon” in print (although he didn’t coin the term). He also describes a large mountain range to the west (most likely the Rocky Mountains). With the bookplate of Albert G. Simms (1882-1964), a congressman from New Mexico.