Travels Amongst the Great Andes of the Equator.

WHYMPER, Edward.

$1,250.00

Item Number: 111798

London: John Murray, 1891-92.

First edition of this work by the mountaineer and explorer. Octavo, 2 volumes, original publisher’s cloth, with 34 engraved plates and 4 maps (one folding, one large folding route map in rear cover pocket). From the library of James Stephen “Steve” Fossett with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. American businessman and record-setting aviator Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world in 2002 in his 10-story high balloon Spirit of Freedom. He completed the 2002 trip in 13 days, 8 hours, and 33 minutes and set records for both the Longest Distance Flown Solo in a Balloon and Fastest Balloon Flight Around the World. Fossett was also one of sailing’s most prolific distance record holders set the Absolute World Speed Record for airships with a Zeppelin NT in 2004. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career including aviation’s highest award, the Gold Medal of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which he was awarded in 2002. Fossett disappeared on September 3, 2007 while flying a light aircraft over the Great Basin Desert, between Nevada and California. In near fine condition. A very nice example, with noted provenance.

Whymper made first ascents of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi (among others) and intended to "observe the effects of low pressure, and to attain the greatest possible height in order to experience it." The Supplement includes descriptions of the Coleoptera and Lepidoptera by H. W. Bates and others, and the Geology by T. G. Bonney. Neate W66.