The World as it is - 1840
| Author: | Samuel Perkins |
| Full Title: | The World As It Is: Containing a View of the Present Condition of its Principal Nations, as to their Forms of Government - Military and Naval Strength - Revenues - Banking Institutions - Prison Discipline - Commerce - Religion - Morals - Education, &c. With Anecdotes of Distinguished Characters, and Numerous Engravings |
| Published: |
Connecticut: Thomas Belknap, 1840 |
A nice mid-19th century publisher's period full leather binding. Richly gilt smooth spine in three gilt-ruled compartments, central gilt title flanked vertically by gilt devices with intricate gilt bands. Leather gently worn but nothing extreme or severe, and the book retains a most pleasant shelf appearance and age patina. Boards clean, minimal leather wear on rear board. Leather worn a bit along the joints with a couple of very tiny worm holes - (so minor it is all but unnoticeable).
Gently toned internally, some damp-staining to the fore-edges and some light / mild foxing throughout, paper supple and mostly clean otherwise. Heavier foxing and staining to endpages as viewed on title page - we must say, however, that the title page has the worst appearance, by far, the rest of the text block much cleaner. Many period woodcuts (often charming) throughout depict all manner of lifestyle and world cultures during the early 19th century; for instance, we see such horrific notions in Africa as "Infanticide in Madagascar" (which hints at the supposed barbaric nature and practices of the people in this region) to Paris, a street bazaar in Isphahan, mosque at Constantinople, etc. There are also many pages and great detail devoted to each of the US states, with numerous woodcut views for locations such as Boston, Bunker Hill monument, White Mountains of NH, Navy building, Washington Dc, etc. There is often a remarkably transparent ethno-centered view of the world embodied in many parts of the work, one which is frequently somewhat derogatory and Anglo-centered from a modern perspective.
Frontis is a large (and scarce) folding map of the world in hemispheres, naming Australia as New Holland and the entire central US as Louisiana, etc. Map is basically clean, only some light minor staining not detracting. Certainly a fascinating historical account of the world and early 19th century global relationships which embodies the mindset, prejudices and outlook of the era.
Desirable, nice and uncommon thus.
Book measures c. 5" W x 7 5/8" H. 462 pp.
Folding map measures c. 12 1/2" W x 7 1/2" H.
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| Item #: | B1653 |
| Item Title: | The World As It Is |
| Price ($US, shipping not incl.): | SOLD |
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