Travels of Anacharsis the Younger in Greece. During the Middle of the Fourth Century, Before the Christian Era. (4 Volume set)
Philadelphia: Jacob Johnson and Co., 1804. First American Edition. Octavo. Item #028552
In four volumes. Folding frontispiece map, 419, 403, 463 and 496pp. With explanatory tables and indexes. When the abbe Jean-Jacques Barthelemy (1716-1795) published this important work in 1788, Gibbons declared him as among the greatest experts on antiquity. His reputation as a classical scholar had already been established but it was this work which insured his lasting fame in Europe and Russia and finally in America where this 1804 translation was eagerly awaited (others as read it in the original French). It became the textbook on daily life in the Athens of Socrates and Plato with a style that included an imaginary journey where the footnotes cited a multitude of classical sources with an attractive engraved map by du Bocage. This copy is from the library of "Wm. A.H. Allen, Philadelphia". The Journals held in the Library of Congress describe Allen's voyage aboard the USS Circassian (Iron screw steamer) from New York to New Orleans, La.; service on the USS Cayuga (Screw steamer), West Gulf Squadron, U.S. Navy, assigned to blockade duty on the Gulf Coast during the Civil War. Includes an account of goods and vessels seized along the coast of Texas and a detailed plan of Fort Jackson, La. Later entries concern his service on ships in the Indian, Mediterranean, and Pacific Oceans; at stations in Europe and the United States; and aboard the USS Lancaster (Sloop of war) on an around-the-world tour, 1881-1884. Includes descriptions of China, Egypt, Japan, Lebanon, Malaya, Palestine, Peru, Singapore, and Syria. His journal contains illustrations, sketches, and photographs. The original folding map with light offsetting and short closed tear just starting along one-fold. First 20 leaves of Vol. II lightly water stained, and last 10 pages foxed: otherwise only occasional scattered spots of foxing, mostly clean. All volumes had been nicely rebound in blue-gray paper covered boards backed in cream cloth, paper spine labels, endpapers renewed. A very good set of this scarce American edition. [Shaw & Shoemaker 5809].
Price: $850.00