The Travels of William Bartram: Naturalist's Edition
New Haven: Yale University Press, 1967. Black and White Illustrations. Second Printing. Hardcover. Bound in green cloth with black label entitled in gilt on the spine. In 1773 the naturalist and writer William Bartram set out from Philadelphia on a four-year journey ranging from the Carolinas to Florida and Mississippi. For Bartram it was the perfect opportunity to pursue his interest in observing and drawing plants and birds. Combining precise and detailed scientific observations with a profound appreciation of nature, he produced a written account of his journey that would later influence both scientists and poets, including Wordsworth and Coleridge.Bartram was among the first to integrate scientific observations and personal commentary. Unlike most of his contemporaries, he condemned the idea that nature was simply a resource to be consumed. Instead, he championed the aesthetic and scientific values of an "infinite variety of animated scenes, inexpressibly beautiful and pleasing." From his field journals he prepared a report for his benefactor and a larger report for the public. The former was rediscovered much later and published in 1943; the latter was published in 1791 and became the basis for the modern Bartram's Travels. lxi, 727pp + Maps and pictures unpaginated. Illustrated dustjacket.
CONDITION: Light shelf wear. Some pages have check marks in pencil, otherwise pages are crisp and clean, text is unaffected. Binding and text block are square and sound. Dustjacket has moderate rubbing and edge wear, also a couple of small repaired tears and light soiling. Full refund if not satisfied. Near Fine / Very Good +.
Item #076328
Price: $60.00