Catalog Archive
Auction 156, Lot 159

"[2 Volumes] Travels in North-America, in the Years 1780, 1781, and 1782...", Chastellux, Francois Jean, Marquis de

Subject: Colonial Eastern United States, Revolutionary War

Period: 1777 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.3 x 8.5 inches
13.5 x 21.6 cm
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This work, translated from French into English, provides a first-hand perspective of the American Revolution and is one of the great contemporary Revolutionary War accounts. The Marquis de Chastellux was one of the forty members of the French Academy and a Major General in the French army in the late 1700's. He served under the Count de Rochambeau and joined forces with General Washington in the famous march on Yorktown that led to Cornwalis' surrender. These volumes are compiled from the journals of Chastellux's travels in America during this pivotal time in American history. They contain a wealth of information on both military and civilian life in the regions he visited, and his personal impressions of the character and philosophy of many of the Revolution's most important figures such as General Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine and General La Fayette. He also gives detailed accounts about his personal involvement with several landmark battles.

Complete with 3 engraved plates of Natural Bridge in Virginia and two maps (9.6 x 7.4") covering the region from central New England south to Virginia that display his route through these regions while serving under Rochambeau. 8vo, contemporary calf, spines tooled and lettered in gilt. xv, 462; xii, 432.

References: Howes #C324.

Condition: B+

Condition code is for the maps, plates and text which are very good with light scattered foxing. Covers are moderately worn and bumped with heavy rubbing to spines. Joints are cracked but covers are still intact.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $500

Closed on 2/17/2016

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