This example is a 1924 reprint of Collot's famous journey to the interior of the United States. In 1796, Collot was appointed by Pierre Adet to reconnoiter the interior parts of the country. Adet was concerned that the United States would join British forces in the Anglo-Spanish War and needed better intelligence on the area if they did. Collot's journey took him from Pittsburgh down the Ohio River, and then up to St. Louis on the Mississippi before finally heading downstream to New Orleans where he was promptly arrested by the Spanish. He was released shortly thereafter and returned to France in 1800 with the intention of publishing his maps and notes. Collot died in 1805 prior to printing, but his accounts were eventually published by the firm of Arthur Bertrand in 1826. A mere 300 French copies and 100 English copies were produced.

This reprint includes two separate volumes of text (310 pp. and 290 pp. respectively) and an atlas volume with 36 folding maps, several of which are large. Published for Reprints of Rare Americana No. 4. Hardbound in quarter calf and tips over marbled boards.

References: cf. Howes C-601.

Condition: B

Overall the maps and text are clean and bright but are stiff and rippled throughout. A few of the maps have small edge and binding tears with the most notable being a 5" binding tear in plate 29 (Map of the Missouri). Covers and spine show typical wear with bumped corners and the front hinge of volume 1 has separated.