SCHOMBURGK, Sir Robert Hermann (1804-1865). Twelve Views in the Interior of Guiana... after sketches taken during the expedition... in... 1835 to 1839. London: Whitehead & Co. for Ackerman & Co., 1841.
2° (534 x 365mm). 2pp. subscriber's list, dedication to the Duke of Devonshire with his arms printed in gilt. Hand-coloured additional lithographic title by M. Gauci after Charles Bentley, printed by P. Gauci, 12 fine hand-coloured lithographic views by George Barnard, Coke Smyth and P. Gauci after Charles Bentley, printed by Gauci and Charles Hullmandel, 12 wood-engraved illustrations by G. P. Nicholls after Charles Blunt, the views all after original sketches by John Morrison, one engraved map by John Murray, outlined in red and blue. Mid-20th century brown morocco gilt by Zaehnsdorf, spine in six compartments with raised bands, lettered in the second and third, the other with repeat decoration composed from various small tools, gilt edges (light scuffing to lower outer corner of cover). Provenance: G.R. Nicolaus (monogrammed blue-leather book-label) -- William Foyle (1885-1963) (bookplate), sold at Christie's, 13 July 2000, lot 889.
A FINE COPY OF ONE OF THIS RARE AND IMPORTANT WORK. It was published at 2/12/6d uncoloured and 4 guineas coloured. Schomburgk, as a result of the journey described here, discovered and sent to England the Victoria Regia waterlily, and was awarded the R.G.S.'s gold medal for his scientific work. As is made clear in the preface, James Morrison (the expedition draughtsman) made sketches under the direction of Schomburgk, these were then worked up by Charles Bentley in London, and plates were produced from these finished sketches. Abbey Travel, 720; Sabin 77796.