- 213
Long, John
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 USD
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Description
- paper
Voyages and Travels of an Indian Interpreter and Trader, Describing the Manners and Customs of the North American Indians; with an Account of the Posts Situated on the River Saint Laurence, Lake Ontario, &c. to which is Added, a Vocabulary of the Chippeway Language. Names of Furs and Skins, in English and French. A List of Words in the Iroquois, Mohegan, Shawanee, and Esquimeaux Tongues. London: Printed for the Author, 1791
4to (11 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.; 285 x 215 mm), printed on paper with a faint bluish tint. Folding engraved map of the Great Lakes region of Canada, 4-page list of subscribers, errata leaf; some light offsetting on map. Contemporary red straight-grain morocco, gilt-ruled borders of a wide fillet and circles, spine gilt in compartments, pink silk placeholder with gold tassels, dentelles, edges gilt, by Christian Kalthoeber, with his color-printed sticker; slight rubbing on extremities, one corner bumped, two small smudges on upper cover.
4to (11 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.; 285 x 215 mm), printed on paper with a faint bluish tint. Folding engraved map of the Great Lakes region of Canada, 4-page list of subscribers, errata leaf; some light offsetting on map. Contemporary red straight-grain morocco, gilt-ruled borders of a wide fillet and circles, spine gilt in compartments, pink silk placeholder with gold tassels, dentelles, edges gilt, by Christian Kalthoeber, with his color-printed sticker; slight rubbing on extremities, one corner bumped, two small smudges on upper cover.
Provenance
William Beckford (Hamilton Palace sale, Sotheby-Wilkinson-Hodge, 20 December 1882, lot 1871) — J. C. McCoy (gilt-stamped bookplate) — purchased at Seven Gables Bookshop in 1956
Literature
Ayer, Indian Linguistics Algonkin 28, Chippewa 128 and 150; Field 946; Graff 2527; Howes L443; Lande 1289; Sabin 41878; Streeter sale 7:3651; Vail, Old Frontier 878
Condition
some light offsetting on map; slight rubbing on extremities, one corner bumped, two small smudges on upper cover.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
First edition, a splendid copy in a binding probably made for Beckford.
John Long spent the years 1768-1787 as a fur trader and trapper for the Hudson's Bay Company. He traveled widely, was knowledgeable about the country, and was frequently in the company of Native Americans. His narrative and vocabulary form "the most valuable record of Indian life and the fur trade of the period" (Vail).
The London bookbinder Christian Kalthoeber was, in his own time, considered the greatest artisan, performing many of his most beautiful bindings for the extraordinary book collector William Beckford (1760-1844).