Mackenzie, Alexander

FIRST EDITION, 4to (270 x 203mm.), [iv], viii, cxxxii, 412pp., [ii pp. errata], half-title, engraved portrait, 3 folding maps, contemporary speckled calf, full gilt spine, black label, portrait and maps offset

Marcus Gage, armorial bookplate

Hill (2004) 1063; Howes M133; Sabin 43414; Staton & Tremaine 658

The condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

A FINE COPY. "A fascinating account of the descent of the river now named after this intrepid explorer, who was the first white man to navigate its length from its source in the Great Slave Lake to its mouth in the Arctic Ocean, and the first European to see the Arctic Ocean from Canada. He completed his journey of 2,990 miles in 120 days... [Later] leaving from Fort Chipewyan, he reached the Pacific Ocean by way of Bella Coola River, and thus accomplished the first crossing of the American continent to the north of Mexico. The vast region of the Rocky Mountains and the coastal zone was thus opened up at last, and Mackenzie rose to the top rank of explorers on the American continent... Mackenzie's investigations, although pursued at so early a period of Arctic exploration, were remarkable for their accuracy; Sir John Franklin more than once expressed his surprise at being able to corroborate their correctness in his own explorations several decades later. This is the first and finest edition of one of the most important of Canadian books" (Hill).