Notes On Virgina Jefferson, Thomas

Rare First American edition, 7.25" x 4.25", Apparently trimmed 1/2" top and front edge by the bookbinder. Not affecting text. [2, title (verso blank) ], [1, Ads], [1, contents], 244 pages, [2], collates complete with following exceptions: Does not include the final four pages of bookseller's advertisements found in some copies. Also lacks the folding letterpress table of the Indian Tribes of Virginia between pages 100 and 101, shows no evidence of ever being bound in. Bound in very early dark brown goat, gilt decoration to cover edges, spine with quite ornate gilt decoration, top edge gilt. Covers are quite worn, scuffed, spine very dry with crackling, front cover partially detached, both hinges separating. Marbled endsheets with an attractive early previous owners bookplate showing a sailing ship. Interior pages showing some browning, occasional foxing and a bit of general wear here and there but still quite crisp and the paper is still in very good shape overall. Contains numerous other tables/illustrations including: "A Comparative View of the Quadrupeds of Europe and of America" (pages 49-52) , "Birds of Virginia" (pages 72-76) , as well as tables of prevailing wind speeds, the number of settlers and census of inhabitants, the number and condition of the militia, commercial productions, crimes, and weights and measures of currency. Full-page woodcut of "An Eye-Draught of Madison's Cave, on a scale of 50 feet to the inch on page 20. An important and fine example of Jefferson's insatiable curiosity and descriptive ability. A somewhat flawed but still rare copy of this book. ; 8vo