A Voyage to the Eastern Part of Terra Firma, or the Spanish Main, in South America: Volumes 1 & 2

WASHINGTON IRVING'S FIRST BOOK: His Translation of DePons' South American Travel Account on the Eve of Revolution
1806 First Edition Vols. 1 & 2 (of 3)
by Francois Joseph DePons

I. Riley and Co, New York, 1806. Volumes 1 & 2 (of 3) Hardcover in the original calfskin binding with leather spine labels (titles in gilt largely faded.) "Translated by an American Gentleman," Washington Irving, and this happens to be his first book. Illustrated with a large (26-1/2" x 17-3/4") folded map in the first volume - the map has been repaired (please see photos) in the upper right hands corner. The binding is sound on these antique books - the pages are age toned but in good condition, with foxing heavier in Vol 2 (particularly at the front of the book) than 1. The boards of Vol. 2 are slightly bowed and there's a fair amount of quill pen names and notes in the front and back of that volume.

About the book:
Depons traveled through northeastern South America, including Venezuela and the Guianas, and observed the geography, natural history, and culture of the native Americans. He concludes with a report of Spanish civil, military, and religious organization and a description of the plantations and commercial systems. "This is an important account of Venezuela giving a description of the country and people and also accounts of growth and production of cocoa, indigo, sugar, cotton, coffee, and tabacco" (Hill). "Beside his account of the slaughter and destruction of Indians during the conquest of their nations, the author gives a Portrait of the Indians before the arrival of the Europeans" (Field). Washington Irving edited this book, which he also translated, in collaboration with his brother Peter and George Caines. An important account written on the eve of revolution against Spain.