Wallace, Alfred Russel

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (215 x 135mm.), map, tinted lithographed frontispiece, 8 lithographed plates, 1 folding table with vocabulary, contemporary half brown calf by J.B. Hawes of Cambridge, without advertisements, hinges starting, binding lightly rubbed

Borba de Moraes p.933

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Wallace's expedition to the Amazon, on which he set out in 1848 at the age of 25, established his reputation as a naturalist. After four years studying the geography and biology of the area he began his journey home but within a few days of setting sail, his brig caught fire destroying the majority of his collection of specimens and samples. Eventually rescued ten days later, he returned to England with only a few notes and drawings, from which he compiled this work and Palm Trees of the Amazon, which were published the year after his return.