12 volumes in bound in 13. Extensively illustrated with color lithograph plates of scenic views, black & white lithographs of geological, botanical & zoological subjects (including the hand-colored lithographs of birds), graphs & charts, folding maps, etc. (4to) 11x8½, mixed set of period boards and modern cloth, all rebacked with modern brown calf lettered in gilt. A mix of House and Senate issues.
Complete set of the quarto edition of the massive compilation of Secretary of War Jefferson Davis in the largest concerted effort to map the western frontier of the United States to that time. Four major routes were surveyed, from a northern route terminating at the mouth of the Columbia River to a southern route running through Texas to San Diego. Superbly illustrated with color lithographs of the countryside and native peoples of the regions explored, and with numerous maps detailing areas never before surveyed. This monumental work ranks as a major landmark in the opening of the west. Among the principal contributors were A.A. Humphreys, G.K. Warren, Isaac Ingalls Stevens, J.G. Parke, A.W. Whipple, J.C. Ives, W.H. Emory, and Spencer F. Baird. The important series of lithographic views of the West, from drawings by Richard and Edward Kern, Tom Mix Stanley, Charles Koppel and others, presented to the world some of the first depictions of previously unexplored regions of the West, and some of its newly settled regions. Wagner-Camp notes, "Despite their flaws, these volumes contain a monumental collection of scientific information, geographical, zoological, botanical, geological, of the still mysterious American West. Upon first examination, the volumes seem forbiddingly disorganized... however these faults are amply compensated by the richness of the material within." Howes P3; Wagner-Camp 262-267.
Condition:
Sturdily rebacked or rebound; overall very good or better. While appearing to be complete, these volumes have not been fully collated and should be examined, sold as is.