"Voyages Aux Montagnes Rocheuses, et une Annee de Sejour Chez les Tribus Indiennes du Vaste Territoire de l'Oregon, Defendant des Etats-Unis d'Amerique", De Smet, Father Pierre-Jean

This is the Malines (Mechelen) edition of this highly regarded journal containing De Smet's untitled map covering the area from the Missouri River to the Pacific, and from the Great Salt Lake to Little Slave Lake. The map shows the tracks of De Smet as he traversed the region on his mission to enlighten the native inhabitants on the beliefs of Christendom. According to Wagner-Camp, "Father De Smet gave more than three decades of service to the cause of the American Indian." and "…his voluminous, articulate writings, in the form of letters published in the United States, and in Europe, described his wards with accuracy and sympathy." The text is illustrated with 20 beautiful lithographic plates showing scenery, ceremonies and portraits, etc. Complete with 304 pages. 12mo. In original printed wrappers with later paper spine cover to replace perished spine. Wagner & Camp note that this edition contains material not found in the Philadelphia edition including additional plates not found in the 1843 English edition. The map is De Smet's first published folding map.

References: Wagner & Camp #113a:1

Condition: B+

Map has a short binding tear and a hint of fold toning. Stitching has been broken in numerous spots, text is essentially disbound but collated complete. An edge tear on the front cover has been repaired with orange paper. Front endpaper has several notations in pencil, and there is a library stamp on the title page. Map is B+ and booklet is B.