A scarce first (Swedish) edition of Catlin's important works on the North American Indians containing 23 hand colored, tinted lithographic views produced by A. Hardh. The plates are highlighted with gum arabic and interspersed throughout 320 pages of text. In 1841, Catlin issued an account of his travels among the Indians titled Letters and Notes on the Manners, Customs and Condition of the North American Indians. Three years later he had some of his paintings made into folio prints for his North American Indian Portfolio. A few years later, an abridged Swedish edition of his Letters and Notes was published and contained modified versions of the prints from the portfolio. These are amongst the most unusual and rare Catlin prints, issued within a few years of the original portfolio. They depict hunting scenes, ceremonies and one with Catlin and a chief enjoying a meal and conversation by the fire. Catlin had tremendous admiration for America's native inhabitants and was distraught by the destructive influence of Europeans who brought with them alcohol, disease and a superior military. His feelings are poignantly expressed on two plates: The first shows a proud Chief carrying a peace pipe to Washington, and the other shows him returning in U.S. Army dress blues with a top hat, and carrying a ladies umbrella and fan. In his mouth is a cigarette, and in his pockets are two bottles of whisky. Complete. 8vo. Original hardbound in marbled boards and half leather spine and tips. Title in gilt on spine.

References: Wagner-Camp 84:14.

Condition: B+

Contents with some foxing and damp stains, mostly to text. Several plates have some offsetting of text on opposite pages. One plate had a short tear repaired. Covers are a bit shelf worn and rubbed. Spine lightly scuffed, but still very good. Hinges good, binding good but starting to loosen.