"Travels Through the States of North America, and the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, During the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797", Weld, Isaac

Weld, an Irish-born topographer, arrived to Philadelphia in 1795, and his subsequent travels took him through the mid-Atlantic states where he met George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He then continued to Montreal and Quebec and, following the St. Lawrence River, journeyed to the lakes of Kingston, Niagara and Detroit. His description of the country and its settlements are often unflattering, but provide a fascinating early view of the emerging nation. This is a single volume edition that includes five single-page plates and the following three folding maps:

Part of the United States of North America (18.3 x 16.2"). This map of the young United States is filled with great information on early development including roads and settlements. The map covers from the Province of Main through North Carolina with a large inset of South Carolina and Georgia. West of the states are the Western Territory and Kentucky. The villages of "Christian Indians" are located by numerous large icons. Condition: Moderate offsetting with a narrow margins at top and bottom. There is a binding trim at top left with partial loss of neatline, as well as a 3" binding tear and a few fold separations all closed on verso with archival tape. Map is no longer bound in book. (B)

A New Map of Upper & Lower Canada (9 x 6.8"). Condition: Faint offsetting. (B+)

An Eye Sketch of the Falls of Niagara (9 x 6.5"). Condition: Faint offsetting. (B+)

Plates include an American Stage Wagon, a Canadian Calash, and views of the Hudson River, Niagra Falls, and Natural Bridge, Virginia. Octavo, 552 pp. Quarter leather with tips over marbled boards. Gilt title and raised bands on spine. Book was professionally rebound with new leather spine and new endpapers, keeping original boards and with the original spine reattached on top of the new one.

References: Howes #W235; McCorkle #798.5.

Condition: B+

See description for condition of maps. Text and plates are clean, bright and internally sound. Edges are bumped and covers and spine are lightly worn.