SCHOMBURGK, Robert Hermann. Twelve views in the interior of Guiana: From Drawings executed by Mr. Charles Bentley, after Sketches during the Expedition carried on in the Years 1835 to 1839. London, Ackermann, 1841.
Imperial folio (54 x 47 cm). Contemporary half-calf over marbled boards, spine with raised bands, lettering pieces to spine and front cover; pp. [viii], 38, additional engraved hand-coloured title, dedication leaf with gold printing, 12 superb hand-coloured aquatint plates with tissue guards, engraved map, a few wood-engraved vignettes and illustrations in the text a little wear to binding, inner hinges expertly strengthened, a few engravings with short old repairs to marginal tears, only very light spotting, a very good copy with neat presentation inscription from William Branch Pollard on engraved title, dated Demerara, 1841.
Uncommon first edition of a book of spectacular views of the colony. Schomburgk identified and sent to England the Victoria Regia waterlily, and was awarded the Royal Geographic Society's gold medal for his scientific work. James Morrison, the expedition draftsman, made sketches under the direction of Schomburgk, these were then worked up by Charles Bentley in London, and plates were produced from those finished sketches.
Provenance: William Branch Pollard was resident and Auditor General in British Guiana.
Abbey Travel, 720; Sabin 77796.
#2117124