Bauman Rare Books Offers Collection of Early Explorers
NEW YORK CITY, NY — Bauman Rare Books announces the acquisition of two substantial collections of early and important works of exploration, featuring the gripping journeys of George Anson, James Cook, David Livingstone, Richard F. Burton, Ernest Shackleton and others. The explorers featured in these collections were the original globe blazers, striking out for the farthest reaches of the world, plunging into the most inhospitable climates and continually risking their lives, all in the pursuit of science, glory, Christianity and riches, according to David Bauman, proprietor, Bauman Rare Books. “These volumes offer a remarkable perspective on exploration and the incredible journeys that mapped the world and charted the course of history,” he said. The volumes are featured in Bauman Rare Book’s newest catalogue, “Incredible Journeys,” which is available online and contains 58 choice and rare items in excellent condition.
Located on Madison Avenue in New York and Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian/The Palazzo in Las Vegas, Bauman Rare Books offers valuable early editions of meaningful works, many of which have been signed by the authors.
A small sampling of items in the “Incredible Journeys Mini Catalogue” includes:
James Cook, George William Anderson: New, Authentic, and Complete Collection of Voyages Round the World...Containing an Authentic, Entertaining, Full, and Complete History of Captain Cook’s First, Second, Third and Last Voyages, London, 1784-86
Captain James Cook charted more area than any other maritime explorer before him. The 18th-century explorer embarked on three circumnavigations between 1768 and 1776. This first edition features a richly illustrated account of those voyages including an engraved frontispiece portrait of Cook, 74 magnificent full-page plates of views, inhabitants, utensils, flora and fauna and six maps and charts including a large folding map of the world in contemporary calf binding. $9,800.
James Bruce: Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, Edinburgh, 1790
The last of the great 18th-century Egyptian explorers, James Bruce arrived in Alexandria in June, 1768. In 1771 he became the first person to trace the Blue Niles to its confluence with the White Nile. This five volume, magnificently illustrated edition, features engraved vignette title pages, three engraved folding maps and 58 engraved plates of scenery, antiquities, battle plans and natural history by James Heath. $15,000.
George Anson: A Voyage Round the World, London, 1748
A masterpiece of descriptive travel, this first edition, large-paper copy, of the first official account of Commodore Anson’s voyage around the world is illustrated with 42 folding engraved plates, maps, plans and charts. Although Anson’s circumnavigation led to many disasters, the capture of a Spanish ship salvaged the expedition and made Anson a rich man. $9,500.
David Livingstone: Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa, London, 1857
This first edition of Livingstone’s first book is a scarce presentation copy inscribed by the author. This early issue is splendidly illustrated with 24 full-page engraved plates including folding wood-engraved frontispiece, in-text woodcuts, folding elevation charts and two folding maps with Livingstone’s routes hand-colored. In 1840 the London Missionary Society ordained Livingstone and sent him to South Africa. This extraordinary book documents his first South African expedition during which he explored vast regions of central Africa, many of which had never been seen by white men before. $18,000.
BAUMAN RARE BOOKS:
David and Natalie Bauman began their company in 1973 with their first investment in a box of 18th-century imprints, a love of literature and history, and a sense that this could be an interesting way to make a living. Nearly four decades later, with the addition of some 40 dedicated and talented researchers, salespersons, and creative personnel, Bauman Rare Books has evolved into one of the finest and most respected antiquarian book firms in existence today. With locations in three great cities—Madison Avenue in New York; Center City in Philadelphia; and Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian/The Palazzo in Las Vegas —the company is distinguished by its extraordinary inventory, meticulous research and exceptional customer service. Bauman has worked with both individual and corporate collectors to build some of the most extensive and impressive rare book collections in America today. http://www.baumanrarebooks.com/.
