WELD, Isaac (1774-1856). Travels through the states of North America, and in the provinces of upper and lower Canada, during the years 1795, 1796, and 1797. London: John Stockdale, 1799.

First edition of “one of the most popular narratives of the day” (Federal Hundred). Isaac Weld traveled through Eastern North America in the late 18th century and recorded his adventures in a wry series of letters. His “distaste for American frontiersmen and the coarseness of manners in the United States would prove typical of English travelers for decades to come” (Federal Hundred). He expresses particular contempt for the institution of slavery in America, commenting on the fact that the first thing a visitor encounters when visiting the home of the champion of American liberty, George Washington, is a view of the quarters of his enslaved workers. Sabin 102541; Federal Hundred 78; ESTC T110539; Howes W-235.

Quarto (264 x 207mm). 11 engraved views, 2 plans, and 3 maps, one of which is folding and hand-colored in outline (some toning, spotting, and offsetting including to plates; large map with repaired tear at stub). Contemporary calf (rebacked, endpapers renewed). Provenance: Biblioteca de Augustin Edwards (library label on front pastedown).