1839. · New York
by Smith, John Calvin
New York: J.H. Colton, 1839.. 180pp. plus handcolored folding map. 16mo. Publisher's black cloth, stamped in blind and gilt. Very light shelf wear. Light scattered foxing and tanning. Map a bit brittle, with two splits along folds (splits at cross-folds neatly repaired on the verso). Very good overall. First edition of what would prove to be one of Colton's most popular guidebooks, covering the states and territories of the Ohio and Mississippi valleys in detail. Situated firmly in the context of Manifest Destiny, Colton's preface proclaims that the "westward star of empire takes its way" to "the great region of the North and West." Though the text is ultimately in service of the impressive map, it nonetheless supplies prospective visitors and emigrants with a wealth of valuable information about the Midwest, including geography, climate, public land laws, cities and towns, and present government and infrastructure. The map itself is carefully handcolored and illustrates Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin and Iowa, "Showing the Township lines of the United States Surveys...," with a table of routes and distances, surrounded by a decorative border and a small inset illustration of Maiden Rock in Wisconsin. It appears Colton was well prepared for his guidebook's popularity - this first edition was printed from stereotype plates which were used for an 1840 reprint before a new edition was created for five more printings in the 1840s, later followed by third and fourth editions each of numerous printings themselves. This copy with the bookplate and ownership inscription of Fenner Bush (1791-1882), a Connecticut native who served one term as a state senator in 1848. An important and popular early guide for the rapidly growing Midwest. HOWES S615, "aa." GRAFF 3853. BUCK 348. SABIN 82931. RUMSEY 2583.003. RISTOW, p.316.
(Inventory #: WRCAM62696)
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