SPL Hand Coloured Rare Book Collection Featuring Norman R Bobins

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MACKENZIE, Sir George Steuart.
Travels in the Island of Iceland during the summer of the year 1810.

Sir George Steuart Mackenzie (1780-1848) was a Scottish baronet interested in chemistry and geology. This work, first published in 1811, is his account of his voyage to Iceland in 1810 for mineralogical research. Accompanied by physicians Henry Holland and Richard Bright, Mackenzie surveyed volcanoes, geysers, and the other geological features of the island. In addition to reporting the results of the expedition's scientific exploration, this charming and evocative journal describes the history, culture, attire, and cuisine of the islanders.

Published
Edinburgh: Archibald Constable & Co., 1811.
References
Tooley 313; Abbey Travel I 160; Bobins II 408.
Plates
8 + map
Binding/Size
M=4to
Value
0-5000
Published
Edinburgh: Archibald Constable & Co., 1811.
Ref
352

FIRST EDITION. Quarto (8.5" x 11") in modern 1/4 calf over attractive marbled boards; raised bands in blind to spine; red morocco title label to spine; MS signature of Phoebe Bright" to front free endpaper. xvii 491 [1] pages. Illustrated with a facsimile letter text engravings two maps (one folding) and fifteen plates including a folding view of Reikiavik and eight hand-coloured plates mostly views. Mackenzie, a distinguished mineralogist, traveled with Drs. Henry Holland and Richard Bright. Chapters include a narrative of the voyage and travels, mineralogy, the rural economy and commerce, zoology, botany, climate, literature, diseases, government, laws, and religion. The light foxing to some plates is mostly marginal. A near fine copy. Coloured plates in order: 1. Icelandic Costume (5 figs). 2. Havnefiord. 3. Krisuvik & the Sulphur Mountains. 4. Cauldron Sulphur Mountains. 5. Great Jet of Boiling Mud on the Sulphur Mountains. 6. Eyafialla Iokul from Hliderende. 7. Mount Hekla from Odde. 8. Eyafialla Iokul, Mount Hekla & River Elvas, from the Westward. 9. Map of the South West Coast of Iceland (sizeable folding map).