Long's Account of Native Americans

Voyages and Travels of an Indian Interpreter and Trader Describing the Manners and Customs of the North American Indians; with an Account of the Posts Situated on River Saint Laurence, Lake Ontario &c. to which is Added a Vocabulary of Chippeway Language. John Long (fl. 1768-1791). London: Printed for the Author, 1791. 4to., (10 6/8 x 8 4/5 inches). List of Subscribers, errata leaf. Fine folding "Sketch of the Western Countries of Canada, 1791" (some minor offsetting). Contemporary speckled calf, spine in six compartments with five raised bands, red morocco lettering-piece in one (joints repaired at head and foot of the spine, corners scuffed). Provenance: Armorial bookplate of the Hon. Edward Monckton (1744-1832) on the front paste-down; ownership inscription of Brent Gration-Maxfield dated 1969 on the front paste-down and long bibliographical inscription on the front free endpaper. First edition, and an attractive copy. A valuable descriptive account from Long who lived in North America for nineteen years: "with respect to the descriptions of lakes, rivers, &c. which lie beyond Lake Superior, from lake Nipegon to lake Arbitis, I have given them as accurately as possible, either from my own knowledge, or the most authentic Indian accounts; ." (Preface). And important for the extensive vocabulary included at the end ".the vocabulary which is subjoined, and on which I have bestowed some pains, it is hoped will not only afford information to such as may be desirous of attaining a knowledge of the Chippeway language, but prove useful to those who are already engaged in traffic with the Indians" (Preface). Howes L-443; Sabin 41878