Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt is one of the most important figures in the scientific discovery of the Americas. Humboldt traveled through the Spanish possessions in America from 1799-1804 under the patronage of the Spanish Crown and was granted access to the archives of the Spanish-American colonies. During his travels he made numerous scientific observations and accumulated data on the customs, behavior, intellect and social arrangements of the indigenous population as well as investigated geographic, geologic, political, commercial and agricultural aspects of the society. This two volume book, translated from French by John Black, comprises the first scientific description of the American Southwest with a wealth of information on California and Texas. This edition was issued without maps. 8vo., 221+377 pp. Full calf with gilt bands and red Moroccan title label on spine.

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Condition: B

Light toning and foxing throughout text. Covers and spine show some wear, with a few chips in spine of Volume I. Both volumes have a stamp from a previous owner on front pastedown and title page. Volume I also has two newspaper articles on Mexico and Humboldt pasted onto front free-endpapers.