Vignettes of travel / by Uncle David [Unpublished travel writing - late 19th / early 20th century]

Smith, David Eugene (1860-1944)

Published by Unpublished bound typescript, ca. 1890-1910?, 1890

About this Item

Very good copy bound in cloth-backed marbled boards. Spine bands and panel edges slightly dust-toned and rubbed as with age. The typescript pages have tanned slightly as with age, but the text is perfectly legible throughout. Remains particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and strong. Further scans, images etc. and additional bibliographical material available on request. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 0 pages; The contents of this unique and original typescript include a series of singular travel vignettes written by David Eugene Smith, the American mathematician, and compiled from the author's correspondence. According to the introductory Apologia by the author, "These vignettes of travel are painfully extracted from some letters sent to one who always loves me behind my back (my sister), and to an invalid friend who has since then solved the great mystery." Bottom of title page reads: "New York - In the years before the Grasshopper became a burden" - a reference to Ecclesiastes 12:3-5 and the onset of old age. Contents includes short dramatical vignettes and essays on travels in India, Japan, China, Florence, Napoli, Sicily, Columbo and various other locations in Europe and Asia. Although there is a slight colonial tone in places, the writing is vivid and evocative. Unpaginated, 28cm. Subjects: Asia -- Europe -- India -- Japan -- China -- Sri Lanka -- Italy -- Description and travel -- 19th century -- 20th century. 1 Kg. Item is Shipped from Ireland or US locations.

Seller Inventory # 219668

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Vignettes of travel / by Uncle David [Unpublished travel writing - late 19th / early 20th century]
• Publisher: Unpublished bound typescript, ca. 1890-1910?
• Publication Date: 1890
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Weight: 1 kilogram