"Wanderings in the Western Land",

This 426-page volume written by Pendarves Vivian, a prosperous British industrialist and politician, documents his several months’ North American visit mostly to the Rocky Mountain region. Vivian did not have a specific agenda other than "to see something of a country of which we have all heard so much." The account is accompanied by seven full-page illustrations by Albert Bierstadt, the most prominent painter of western landscapes in the 19th century, including "Wapiti on the Prarie", "The Mountain Sheep" and "The Cathedral Rocks in the Yosemite." The volume also includes three maps, two of which are folding, including the colorful Geological Map of Part of the Western Land (15.5 x 6.4") covering the region from Colorado to California. Octavo, first edition. Hardbound in quarter calf with tips over mottled cloth boards.

This example contains Vivian's elegant bookplate on the front pastedown, suggesting that this was his copy of the book.

References:

Condition: B+

Contents are very good with a hint of toning and occasional spot of foxing. There is a former owner's bookplate on the front pastedown. Covers have light wear with scuffed corners and spine ends.