Elliott Coues, Ed., The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Ltd. Ed.

Description

Elliott Coues’ edition of The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike is widely considered the best organized and annotated account of this legendary exploration of the Mississippi Valley and the southwest.

“Best edition… The first government expedition of the southwest.” – Howes.

The expeditions of Pike to the headwaters of the Mississippi, the interior of Louisiana, Texas and Mexico were first published in 1810 in a difficult to read form, but it was not until Coues revised the work in 1895 that it became popular while still a scholarly treatment. This is one of the great histories of the pioneer west complete with all notes and maps.

“Major Pike was the first explorer under the government of the United States, of that vast portion of the republic now forming the states of Arkansas, Texas and New Mexico. His accounts of the principal features of the country, and the savage tribes which inhabit it are accurate and interesting.” – Sabin 62836.

Scholars have preferred the 1895 editions for its annotations, clarity, and appended documents.

Light rubbing; light wear of extremities; title page, frontispiece, and 1st page of preface in Volume 1 loose; light chipping of title page; small, embossed library stamp. Volumes 2 & 3 are in very good condition and tight.

Coues, Elliott, ed. The Expeditions of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, to Headwaters of the Mississippi River, Through Louisiana Territory and in New Spain During the Years 1805-6-7. A New Edition by Elliott Coues. NY: Francis P. Harper, 1895. 1st edition limited #928/1,150, 3 volumes, frontispiece, 7 maps, including 6 folding in rear pocket, statistical tables by tribe, (Howes P-373).