Lot 15
  • 15

Holley, Mary Austin

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

  • Texas. Observations, Historical, Geographical and Descriptive, in a Series of Letters, written during a Visit to Austin's Colony, with a View to a Permanent Settlement in that Country, in the Autumn of 1831. Baltimore: Armstrong & Plaskitt, 1833
  • paper, ink
8vo (7 1/8 x 4 1/4 in.; 182 x 108 mm), with folding engraved map (12 1/8 x 14 3/8 in.; 310 x 365 mm). Original purple cloth, front cover with central gilt cartouche enclosing the word "Texas."

Light dampstain at inner margin, map trimmed close to neatline at top and right but with good margins otherwise, including deckle at lower edge. Rebacked preserving some of original spine, corners worn, a bit faded.

Literature

Streeter, Texas 1135, 1136; Howes H593; Jenkins, Basic Texas Books 93; Raines, p. 116; Rader 1912; Graff 1934; Clark 3:56 

Condition

8vo (7 1/8 x 4 1/4 in.; 182 x 108 mm), with folding engraved map (12 1/8 x 14 3/x in.; 310 x 365 mm). Original purple cloth, front cover with central gilt cartouche enclosing the word "Texas." Light dampstain at inner margin, map trimmed close to neatline at top and right but with good margins otherwise, including deckle at lower edge. Rebacked preserving some of original spine, corners worn, a bit faded.
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, WITH A VERY FINE COPY OF WILLIAM HOOKER'S "MAP OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA AND TEXAS." Mary Austin Holley (1784–1846) was Stephen Austin’s first cousin. After her husband died in the late 1820s, Holley spent much of her time in Texas, where she actively promoted Texas independence. She dedicated the book (in 1831) to Stephen Austin, who assisted in the writing: "You have endured more hardships, and made greater sacrifices, than often falls to the lot of man to encounter." Hooker's map is in its original uncolored condition, and is especially interesting for its clear delineation of the river systems of Texas and part of the Oregon Territory. The map is in Streeter's second state with "Beales and Rayuelles Grant" at top left, Milam's Grant labeled "Beales Grant" and Hooker's name added beneath the title.