Travels Through the United States of North America, the Country of the Iroquois, and Upper Canada, in the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797; With an Authentic Account of Lower Canada.

LA ROCHEFOUCAULT-LIANCOURT, [Francois Alexandre].

$9,500.00

Item Number: 112450

London: For R. Phillips by T. Davison, 1799.

First edition in English of “an original source of the first class for American history at the close of the 18th century” (Larned). Quarto, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, gilt tooling to the front and rear panels, marbled endpapers, with three engraved folding maps of North America and six folding tables. In near fine condition. An exceptional example of this landmark work. First editions are rare.

"The observations of this distinguished author, made during a three years' residence, extend to the political constitution of the country, the manners, etc., of the inhabitants, its physical state and natural history. The translator appears to have executed his task faithfully, and to be well acquainted with the country described. His notes frequently increase the information, and sometimes correct the errors of the original" (Sabin). The work became a standard source book for the history of America at the close of the 18th century. An exiled French nobleman, the Duke traveled in all the Eastern states, in the Great Lakes region, and Upper Canada, visiting many towns from Maine to Georgia and making the acquaintance of people of all classes. He was especially interested in economics, but had much to say about the Indian tribes, natural history, and social and religious communities (Shakers, Dunkers, etc.).