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[6], 193, iv pp. Illustrated with 17 full-page plates, including 9 photogravure plates, 5 lithographed plates, 3 plates from photographs, 1 lithographed map, more than 150 illustrations in the text. (Folio) 36x27 cm. (14x10½"), original ¼ brown morocco and textured green cloth, spine and front board lettered and decorated in gilt, rear board in blind. First Edition.

Swedish aristocrat and scholar Gustaf Nordenskiöld (1868-1895) brought the first scientific scrutiny to the ruins of Mesa Verde, which had been discovered in 1888 by local ranchers Richard Wetherill and Charles Mason. The pair tried to interest the Smithsonian Institution in their find, but several letters to the Institution produced no result. Word had spread widely about the extraordinary cliff-dwelling and in 1891 Nordenskiöld aborted a world tour to visit the site. With the aid of Richard Wetherill and family, he photographed and excavated for several months, he also shipped many artifacts back to Europe, which brought considerable controversy to his worthwhile archaeological efforts. His photographs are superb, especially the double-page view of the "Cliff Palace." Howes N174.