"Mission of the North American People, Geographical, Social, and Political. Illustrated by Six Charts Delineating the Physical Architecture and Thermal Laws of All the Continents", Gilpin, William

An important treatise on Manifest Destiny written by William Gilpin, the first governor of Colorado Territory and follower of Thomas Hart Benton. He believed, as had Benton, that North America was at the height of a progression of empires, and that each movement westward carried the empire to increased greatness. Gilpin saw the Pacific Railroad as the means by which to fulfill the "untransacted destiny" of the American people, and developed radical ideas on how and why America should be populated.

This book is a revised edition of his previous work "The Central Gold Region…" (1860), the first to appear with this title. Bound into the volume are six hand-colored folding maps including three maps of North America exhibit Gilpin's theories of climate, geology and civilization; one map of the world delineating Humbolt's Isothermal Zodiac; one map illustrating the System of Parcs in Colorado Territory; and one illustrating the same system in the western territories. 217 pages. Hardbound in original maroon cloth with gilt title on spine.

References: Howes #G192; Sabin #27469.

Condition: A

The maps are in near fine condition with occasional faint offsetting, a few short binding tears at left, and some reinforcement of the folds on verso with archival tape. The map of Colorado Territory has pleasant light toning. Text is fine. Covers and spine have light wear.