Commerce of the Prairies Vol. I and Vol. II
Original price was: $2,900.00.$2,500.00Current price is: $2,500.00.
First edition two volume set of Gregg’s adventures in the American southwest and Mexico.
Description
Commerce of the Prairies is one of numerous books written about the American southwest during the mid-19th century. What sets the two volume work by Josiah Gregg apart is the author’s multi-faceted background as a curious naturalist, explorer and caravan leader who travelled extensively throughout the region between 1831 and 1840.
In his work, first published in 1844, Gregg details the local cultures, geology, flora and fauna, and political organization of Texas, Mexico and the southwestern United States. The books include numerous engraved prints and views and two maps. The first, published by Sidney Morse, measures about 16″ x 14″ and shows an independent Texas, Indian Territory, and Mexico as far west as the Rocky Mountains. Considered a landmark in the cartography of the American West, the map identifies the locations of the Oregon and Sante Fe Trails, Native American tribes and villages, forts, landmarks and scattered settlements. Gregg’s routes, as well as those of earlier explorers like Cooke, Pike, and Boone are also shown on the map.
The two volumes were tremendously popular and eventually published in six different editions in multiple languages. They remain a foundational publication about early frontier life and a cornerstone in the development of the mythology of the American West.
Map Details
Publication Date: 1844
Author: Josiah Gregg
Sheet Width (in): 5.00
Sheet Height (in): 7.50
Condition: A-
Condition Description: First edition, published in New York in 1844 by Henry Langley. Two volume set with original gilt brown cloth boards. Covers are intact and in good shape with only slight separation at the binding on Vol. 1 and a small chip in the spine in Vol. II. Both volumes are complete and contain numerous engraved views. Vol. I contains the scarce map of the Indian Territory, Texas and northern Mexico in near fine condition, save for a 3" diagonal tear adjacent to the binding strip. Vol. II contains one small folio map of northern Mexico. Overall, the pages are bright and clean, though there are scattered moderate toning and foxing throughout. Previous owners names penciled on the endpapers, which also exhibit some spotting and discoloration.
Original price was: $2,900.00.$2,500.00Current price is: $2,500.00.