Schomburgk, Robert H.

Estimate

3,500 - 5,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Twelve views in the interior of Guiana from drawings executed by Mr. Charles Bentley, after sketches taken during the expedition, carried on in the Years 1835 to 1839. London: Ackerman and Co., 1841
paper

FIRST EDITION, folio (515 x 352mm.), [8], 38pp., hand-coloured additional title, dedication leaf, list of subscribers, engraved map by Arrowsmith, 12 hand-coloured lithographed plates by Gauci after Bentley, contemporary black half morocco, black cloth boards, marbled endpapers

Literature

Abbey, Travel 720; Sabin 77796

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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."

Catalogue Note

A fine series of views by Charles Bentley, accompanied by Schomburgk's text. Under the direction of the Royal Geographical Society, Schomburgk first travelled to Guiana between 1831 and 1835. In the course of his research there, he discovered and sent to England the gigantic water lily Victoria regia (depicted on the pictorial title). Additionally, by comparing his astronomical observations with those of Humboldt, he was able to determine a series of fixed points extending across the watershed of the great rivers of equatorial America. For this he was awarded the Royal Geographical Society's gold medal. On a later expedition, Schomburgk laid down the division between British Guiana and Venezuela, which was named the Schomburgk Line.