Charles Wilkes "US Exploring Expedition" (3rd Ed, 1845)

Charles Wilkes (American, 1798-1877)
Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition, during the Years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842 (1845)
Third edition, five volumes and an atlas
Pub. Lea & Blanchard (Philadelphia)
Original embossed brown cloth with gilt lettering and vignettes. This third edition, of imperial octavo size, was the first trade edition and remains the earliest generally available edition, limited to 1000 copies. It was also the final edition to include the atlas, which features five large fold-out maps (one hand-colored).

Each volume is packed full of engraved illustrations by expedition artists Alfred Thomas Agate and Joseph Drayton, including breathtaking landscapes, portraits of indigenous peoples and crew members, and innumerable small engraving and woodcut vignettes. There are also a number of engraved maps throughout the first five volumes. The United State Exploring Expedition played a major role in the advancement of 19th century cartography, oceanography, botany, and anthropology.

Measures 11 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 9".
Condition Report: The covers are in overall good condition, with rubbing and minor scuffs commensurate with age, and some wear at the edges. The fifth volume's front cloth cover is showing a little tearing at the spine seams. The binding throughout the set is good. The text blocks are very good, with no notable foxing, only minor toning and typical transfer from some of the illustrations. The atlas features five large fold-out maps-- among them are some tears at the folds, and some of those tears have been reinforced to the back with clear tape.