[COCA]. HERNDON, William Lewis and Lardner GIBBON. Exploration of the Valley of the Amazon, Made Under Direction of the Navy Department. Washington: Robert Armstrong, 1854.
4 volumes (2 text volumes and 2 maps volumes), 8vo. (Spotting or browning throughout as usual). 52 lithographs and numerous in-text wood engravings; 5 large folding maps in separate folders as issued. Original blindstamped cloth gilt; slipcase.
FIRST EDITION, House issue, of this important report which opened the Amazon River to merchant ships of all nations. “There are several pages of quite interesting remarks pertaining to the cultivation and use of coca by the Quichua tribe…The lithograph view of a ‘Coca Plantation, Peru’ may well be the first of the subject” (Phantastica). Borba de Moraes, p. 336; Hill 803; Phantastica 96; Sabin 31524. A Horowitz high spot.
[With:] PRESCOTT, William H. History of the Conquest of Peru. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1847. 2 volumes, royal 8vo. Engraved frontispieces. Original blindstamped tan cloth, gilt-lettered spines. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. BAL 16346; Sabin 65272.
[With:] ORTON, James. The Andes and the Amazon… New York: Harper & Brothers, 1876. 8vo. Numerous plates and maps. Original pictorial green cloth gilt. Third and best edition. Palau 206199; Sabin 57727.