Lewis, Meriwether & William Clark

History of the Expedition under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark, to the Sources of the Missouri, thence across the Rocky Mountains and down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. Performed during the years 1804-5-6. Philadelphia: [J. Maxwell at New York for] Bradford and Inskeep and Abm. H. Inskeep, New York, 1814

2 volumes, 8vo (8 ½ x 5 ¼ in; 215 x130 mm, uncut). Engraved folding map of the route, 5 engraved plates; some mostly marginal spotting, a few quires browned, early owner's notes on pages xv, 58, 150-151, 173, arithmetic calculations in pencil on rear flyleaf of vol. 1, the map with some light spotting strengthened at left margin with tissue and with tiny fold-tear in lower margin. Publisher's cream printed boards, in a modern brown half-morocco slipcase; backstrip of vol. 1 worn, that of vol. 2 gone, covers scuffed and rubbed, edges torn, upper hinge of vol. 2 weak.

John R. Donnells (ms. exlibris on front pastedown and flyleaf)

Church 1309; Graff 2477; Grolier / American 30; Howes L-317; PMM 272; Sabin 40828; Wagner-Camp-Becker 13:1

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of the "definitive account of the most important exploration of the north american continent" (Wagner-Camp). An extraoridinary copy, uncut, in the original printed boards.

The expedition was funded by Congress for the purpose of establishing trading ties with the Indians of the western region. Besides accomplishing this goal, the explorers greatly broadened the geographical knowledge of the West, and demonstrated the feasibility of transcontinental travel. The expedition made its way from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back between spring 1804 and fall 1806. A number of circumstances, including their appointment to official positions in the new Louisiana Territory and Lewis's mysterious death, conspired to delay the publication of the official narrative of their travels for eight years.

The American edition was compiled from the Lewis and Clark journals by Paul Allen and contains a prefatory "Life of Captain Lewis" by Thomas Jefferson.