To Cuba and Back.

DANA, Richard Henry.

$2,500.00

Item Number: 147922

Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1859.

First edition of this classic travelogue that reveals the character of pre-Spanish American war Cuba. Octavo, original cloth, gilt titles to the spine. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author, “Rev. John A. Albro with the sincere regards of Richard Henry Dana.” In very good condition, restoration to the crown of the spine. Rare and desirable signed and inscribed. BAL 4447.

During the mid 19th century the US Senate entertained a bill to expand South and annex Cuba, to become not only a Caribbean empire but the greatest slaveholding nation in history. The 1860 publication of To Cuba and Back detailing, in Dana's words, .the despotic civil government, compulsory religion uniformity, and slavery.. changed many minds. With astute observations of the land and the people this book became a rallying cry for change.