THE JOURNALS OF THE EXPEDITION UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAPTS. LEWIS AND CLARK TO THE SOURCES OF THE MISSOURI, THENCE ACROSS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AND DOWN THE RIVER COLUMBIA TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, PERFORMED DURING THE YEARS 1804-5-6 BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Two quarto volumes (7-1/2" x 11-1/4") bound in decorated parchment-toned buckram with a map design in sepia and leather spine labels hand-lettered and stamped in pure gold leaf. Edited by Nicholas Biddle with a good historical introduction by John Bakeless. Illustrated with portraits and 16 fine color plates after paintings by Carl Bodmer and other contemporary artists as well as two large folding maps. Issued unsigned. Of a total edition of 1500 copies, this is one of only 15 Presentation Copies with the publisher's blindstamp attesting to such on the colophon page where instead of a number the initials "H.M." are handwritten. Acquired directly from the publisher's files, and most likely the publisher Helen Macy's very own copy. Mild sunning to the spines. Near Fine in a Near Fine slipcase with some sunning.