Beschreibung:

Title: [Journal of the Russian Geographical Society, i.e.] Zaspiski Russkago Geograficheskago Obshchestva Knizhka I [II] [in Vol. II is found "Summary of Lieutenant Zagoskin's Diary of his Expedition on the Mainland of Northwestern America" compiled by S.E. Zelenim] Author: Zagoskin, L.A., et al. Place: Saint Petersburg Publisher: Date: 1846-1847 Description: 2 volumes. [6], 145; [6], 316 pp. [lacking pp. 317-354, possibly never bound in?]. With 3 folding maps and 1 single-page map. (8vo) 22.5x15.5 cm (9x6"), original printed wrappers; modern custom half morocco slipcase & chemise. The first two volumes of the proceedings of the Society. The Summary of Zagoskin's Diary occupies pp. 135-202, accompanied by a folding map, the title roughly translated as "Mercator's Chart of part of the Northwest Coast of America compiled by Lieutenant Zagoskin in his expeditions of 1842, 43, 44." This map measures 37.5x36 cm. Scale about 32.5 miles to an inch. About the Zagoskin map, Warren Heckrotte comments: "This map is probably the first printed map of any part of the interior of Alaska. It shows the lower reaches of the Yukon River. It covers a smaller area than the one in Zagoskin's book which appeared in 1848; however it includes all the area explored by Zagoskin and at a slightly larger scale than that in the book." Lada-Mocarski, in describing the 1848 book, writes that "Lieutenant Zagoskin's expedition was to make an inland exploration of the northern territory of Alaska and to survey the Kvikhpak (Yukon) and Kuskokvim rivers and the region encompassed by them. Zagoskin kept a diary which forms the basis for his work. He described in detail the Russian trading posts visited and the topography of the surroundings of Norton Sound. He also gave a good account of the life and customs of the Eskimo and Indian inhabitants and much other important first-hand information secured during the expedition's 18½ months of travel, during which about 5,000 versts (some 3,000 miles) were covered on foot and in leather baidars - a truly remarkable achievement..." The other maps in the Proceedings deal with parts of Asia. Two articles are contained in the missing pages: one a continuation from Vol. 1 of the list of Books, Maps and Plans in the Society's Library. The other on the composition of the Society. Provenance: Reese, 3/93 References: L-M 130 for Zagoskin's book on his explorations; the journal article which precedes his book is not noted. Howes Z1, for book. Lot Amendments Condition: Just a bit of wear to wrappers, those on Vol. 2 chipped and splitting along joints; very good or better except for the absence of the two articles. Item number: 271895