Leichhardt, Ludwig

ARROWSMITH, JOHN. Detailed Map of Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt's Route. London: John Arrowsmith, 1847, 3 folding engraved maps, hand-coloured in outline

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 8vo (222 x 138mm.), matching original blindstamped ribbed olive green cloth, yellow endpapers (maps grey), spines lettered in gilt, that of text beginning "Overland" and that of map beginning "Map of..." (i.e. both are the primary bindings), slipcase

F. Hobill Cole, book label in map volume. "Cole collected Australian paintings and literature with discernment. He was said to have the best local collection of books on the discovery and exploration of Australasia" (Australian Dictionary of Biography).

Abbey, Travel 579; Ferguson 4571; Wantrup 138a and 139

A good copy
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

VERY RARE, with both text and maps (the latter often missing), bound in the first state of the original cloth bindings.

"Leichhardt and his men traversed over three thousand miles of completely unknown country in fourteen months, opening up a vast and valuable area of the interior. He discovered and named numerous mountains, ranges and rivers, including the rivers Clarke, Lynd, Burdekin, Gilbert, Mitchell, Nicholson, Calvert, Macarthur and Roper. When they arrived in Port Essington it was believed that they had all perished. Indeed, expeditions had already been sent out in search of them. This journey of exploration was one of the longest inland expeditions undertaken and the land discovered was among the most valuable pasture on the continent. Leichhardt was welcomed to Port Essington as a national hero and, on his return to Sydney in March 1846, was lionised and feted by Sydney society as a man who had come back from the dead" (Wantrup).

The map was issued separately and is rarely found with the text. As noted on p.x of the text volume "A large 3-sheet Map by J. Arrowsmith, explanatory of Dr. Leichhardt's Route, is published, and to be had separately, in a case".