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Two parts in two volumes. Coblenz: J. Hoelscher, 1839-41. 4to (348 x 268 mm). xvi, 653 [3]; xxii, [2] , 687 [1] pp. Bound with the text and protected by tissue paper are 33 aquatint plates ("vignettes") after Karl Bodmer (numbered vig. I- vig. XXXIII except for plate XXVI =unnumbered), heightened with gum arabic and with the blind-stamp "C Bodmer / Direct", a total of 52 woodcut text illustrations; vol. I with a large folding engraved map partially coloured in outline bound before title; vol. II with 12 pp. list of subscribers, a lithographed plate of Fort Clark bound after p. 70, one small lithographed key plate (to plate XXI) bound after p. 686 and a folding meteorological table bound at end, errata leaf in each vol. Uniformly bound in contemporary German half mottled calf and marbled paper over boards, each spine with gilt decoration and gilt-lettered labels, red-sprinkled edges (minor wear to extremities and rubbing to boards, corners slightly bumped, spines scratched). The text exceptionally bright and crisp, the preliminary pages with list of subscribers and title as well as the appendix in vol. II somewhat browned, the vignette plates mostly with minor even yellowing and light offsetting of text mostly on plate versos, occasional minor finger-soiling, the large folding map backed by thin linen and somewhat creased. Provenance: Chateau Tetschen library of the counts of Thun-Hohenstein (red coat of arms stamp to verso of titles). ---- FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE OF THE FINEST WORK ON AMERICAN INDIAN LIFE AND THE AMERICAN FRONTIER, which includes the first truly accurate depictions of the Plains Indians, the result of an epic journey which took place at a time when the mass migration of settlers and pioneers was about to alter irrevocably the unspoiled West. Prince Maximilian's text was first issued in German in 20 parts from 1838 through 1841, with an abridged English translation being issued in London by Ackermann in 1843. Karl Bodmer (1809-1893) was engaged by Prince Maximilian (already famed for his earlier explorations to Brazil) to record of his travels among the Indian people of North America from 1832 to 1834, at a time when the Plains and the Rockies were still virtually unknown. His efforts show great versatility and technical virtuosity and give us a uniquely thorough, accomplished and detailed picture of a previously little understood (and soon to vanish) way of life. The most important part of their travels started from St. Louis, whence they proceeded up the treacherous Missouri along the line of forts established by the American Fur Company. At Bellevue they encountered their first Indians, then went on to make contact with the Sioux tribe, learning of and recording their little known ceremonial dances, their powerful pride and dignity. Transferring from the Yellow Stone to another steamer, the Assiniboine, they continued to Fort Clark, studying there the Mandan, Mintari and Crow tribes, then the Cree and Assiniboin tribes at Fort Union, the main base of the American Fur Company. On a necessarily much smaller vessel they journeyed through the extraordinary geological scenery of that section of the Missouri to Fort Mackenzie in Montana, establishing over a month there a cautious friendship with the fearsome Blackfoot tribe. From this, the westernmost point reached, it was considered too dangerous to continue and the return journey downstream began. The winter brought its own difficulties and discomforts, but Bodmer was still able to execute numerous studies of villages, dances, and especially, the people, who were often intrigued and delighted by his work. The portraits are particularly notable for their capturing of individual personalities, as well as forming, together with Prince Maximilian's written studies, the primary accounts of what became virtually lost cultures. . . . - Visit our website for further reading and images!. Seller Inventory # 003708
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