2 volumes. 285; 279 + [8] ad pp. Folding engraved map as frontispiece in Vol. II. (8vo) 22x13 cm (8¾x5¼"), blue cloth embossed with a pattern of cross-like stars, spines lettered in gilt. First Edition, First State.
The first setting, according to BAL (but not Howes), with copyright notice and printer's slug on verso of title in Vol. I, garbled footnote on p. 239 of Vol. II; the terminal advertisements are in first state, starting "BOOKS PUBLISHED..." and unboxed. "This lengthy history of John Jacob Astor's venture into the fur trade on the Pacific Coast is based in part on a revised transcript of the journal of Robert Stuart and the Journals of Wilson Price Hunt and Ramsay Crooks, which were for a time in the possession of Astor..." - WC. The map is titled "Sketch of the Routes of Hunt and Stuart" (24.5x44.5 cm). Wheat quotes Chittenden in describing the map: "There are indeed gaps and omissions, but these are nothing in comparison with the remarkable feat of preserving so well the line of march in which not a single scientific observation as to course, or direction was taken, and in a country of which no map had ever been made." This is the Thomas W. Streeter copy, with his small oval bookplate in Vol. I,, and his pencil notes on front free endpaper reading in part "This copy is immaculate." Also, old bookplates of John Campbell Riley, Georgetown, D.C., with his ink signature in each volume, and later armorial bookplates of Dr. George William Staempfli. John Campbell Riley (1828-1879), was a physician born in Georgetown and educated at Georgetown College, who became professor of materia medica and therapeutics in the National medical college.
Provenance: John Howell-Books, 9/79
References: BAL 10148; Howes I81; Graff 2158; Sabin 35129; Streeter 3347; Tweney 34; Wagner-Camp 61:1; Wheat Transmississippi 419.
Condition:
Fading to spines, some rubbing to ends and corners; 2½" stub tear to map into blank portion, no loss; near fine.