Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 369

"Travels in the Interior of Mexico, in 1825, 1826, 1827, & 1828", Hardy, Lieut. R.W.H Hardy

Subject: Exploration, Mexico

Period: 1829 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
6 x 9 inches
15.2 x 22.9 cm
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This first edition is a vivid and early portrayal of the culture and geography of northwestern Mexico based on the author's extensive travels in the region. Hardy was in search of pearls in the Gulf of California. The result of his journey is a fascinating book and map on "the little known regions of Senora and Lower California", ("Map of Sonora and Gulf of California", 17 x 13"). This scarce map extends from the Gila River in the north to Mexico City. Most of the eastern portion is blank and shows only western towns, including S. Juan del Rio, Guanaxuato, Guadalaxara, Durango, Chihuahua and much of the Rio Grande River. Curiously, the town "Arizona" is shown south of the Gila River in today's New Mexico. Scores of villages are named in the northwest. All of Baja is included with only a few towns -- La Paz, Loreto and Mulege. Legend locates Hardy's route, Ranchos, Gold and Silver Spots, Real di Minas, Mines, Presidio, and Missions. A second map "Plan of the Rio Colorado, by Lieut. R.W.H. Hardy" (7.5 x 4.5") is the first American exploration and mapping of the Colorado River from its mouth in the Gulf of California to its confluence with the Gila River. A note claims the high water changes by 22 feet. The six called for plates are present and include: The Game of Monte, in the Streets of Mexico; A Pilgrimage Performed in Mexico; A Mexican Cavallero; Morning Salutations in Mexico; Water Carrier in Mexico; and An Evangelista, or Letter-Writer in the Haza Grande of Mexico. Most descriptions list seven plates, but here we count as a map the Colorado River plate. The book is hardbound in brown leather with elaborate tooling and gilt on front cover and spine. Marbled end papers and page edges. This first edition is complete, 540 pp, two maps, six plates plus three vignettes, music, etc. in text. Published by Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, London, 1829.

References:

Condition: B

With occasional foxing on text and plates. Ex-library copy with perforated library stamp on title page with withdrawn stamp adjacent. First page has blue stamped inventory number at lower left in blank margin. Expertly repacked with original spine laid down.

Estimate: $700 - $900

Sold for: $500

Closed on 2/25/2009

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