THE HISTORY OF CAROLINA, CONTAINING THE EXACT DESCRIPTION AND NATURAL HISTORY OF THAT COUNTRY, TOGETHER WITH THE PRESENT STATE THEREOF AND A JOURNAL OF A THOUSAND MILES TRAVELED THROUGH SEVERAL NATIONS OF INDIANS, GIVING A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THEIR CUSTOMS, MANNERS, &c., &c

John Lawson

Published by Printed for W. Taylor at the Ship, and J. Baker at the Black-Boy, in Pater-Noster-Row, London, 1714

About this Item

The title page of this work is lacking, although the above titles are correct for this work, according to records. First edition, second issue. [4], 258. Lacking title page, map, and leaf of advertisements to rear. Engraved animal plate is present, and main body of text complete. This work has been completely rebound in modern quarter calf with marbled boards., and measures approx. 21cm x 17.5cm x 2.2cm. The lettering and decoration to spine is a little rubbed, else the contents are good, and firm. Internally, there are modern endpapers to the front and rear. As can be seen from the images, The map and title page are lacking, and the contents are in rather poor condition. The contents are browned, stained and foxed throughout in varying degrees. A couple of leaves have a little wear to the stained areas at inner edge where soft paper strained against stitching. 3 leaves are particularly tatty, with large ragged tears and creases to text, and some chips to the corners/edges. Although creased the tears could be neatly repaired, as there does not appear to be any loss. The engraved plate has been trimmed to inner margin before being rebound thus the image is tight to inner edge. There are a number of scattered corner creases, and edges nicks. Main body of text is complete and readable. "Little is known about Lawson's early life. In 1700, being 'in a mood for travel,' he accidentally met with a gentleman.who assured him that 'Carolina was the best country to visit.' He landed at Charles Town, South Carolina, in August, 1700, and in December of that year started on an overland journey, traveling one thousand miles 'in Indian country.' He went up the coast to the Santee River, thence to the Catawba, crossed the Yadkin, traveled through the interior of North Carolina, and finally arrived on the 'Pamptioough River,' in February, 1701. He was surveyor-general of North Carolina, and while engaged in surveying work was killed by the Indians, near the present town of Snow Hill, North Carolina, in September 1711. Lawson's book is one of the most valuable of the early histories of North Carolina, and it is certainly one of the best travel accounts of the early eighteenth-century colonies. He describes the soil, climate, trees, plants, animals, fish, and almost every other aspect of the colony. (Clark I: 115). Includes Native American vocabulary: Tuskeruro, Pampticough, and Woccon opposite their English translation. A rare and important work on the Indians of North Carolina, and the first history of the Carolinas. Seller Inventory # 100103

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE HISTORY OF CAROLINA, CONTAINING THE ...

Publisher: Printed for W. Taylor at the Ship, and J. Baker at the Black-Boy, in Pater-Noster-Row, London

Publication Date: 1714

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition