Beschreibung:

DUFLOT DE MOFRAS, Eugène (1810-1884). Exploration du Territoire de l'Orégon, des Californies, et de la Mer Vermeille, exécutée pendant les années 1840, 1841, et 1842 . Paris: Arthus Bertrand, 1844. The rare first edition of "one of the most important works on the Northwestern Coast, including Alaska" (Lada-Mocarski), also considered the best book on California for this period. Duflot de Mofras had been sent to Mexico in 1839 ostensibly to act as French Ambassador. His real motive was to provide the French government with information about the Pacific Coast of North America to help decide whether or not to become embroiled in the conflict over Oregon between the United States and Britain. His description includes the western coast of America from Tehuantepec to the Bering Strait, and considers the Spanish voyages of discovery, Vancouver Island, and the Fraser River. This set is in lovely condition. Cowan I p.186; Forbes 1461; Graff 1169; Hill 496; Howes D-542; Lada-Mocarski 120; Sabin 21144; Streeter sale 3323; Wickersham 6610; Zamarano 80 , 30. Two text volumes, octavo (226 x 143mm) and folio atlas (530 x 360mm). Text: 8 engravings. Atlas: large folding map handcolored in outline, 25 engravings on 17 sheets (one double-page), comprising 21 charts and 4 plates. (atlas with some pale marginal dampstain and light foxing, folding map with a repaired stub tear and trivial toning). Text in contemporary red morocco richly gilt, g.e.; atlas in original cloth, spine gilt-lettered (sunning, text block cracked in one place). Provenance: William Reese Co.