Rare Books.  Incidents of Travel in Central America.  John Stephens. 2 Volumes.  1855 Edition.  Leather bound.  Engraved Plates.  Hard Cover.

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Incidents of Travel in Central America is a travel work by John Lloyd Stephens, documenting his time travelling through Central America from the early to mid-1800s…. noting the native life and customs.  He was an American explorer / writer (trained as a lawyer) who was very important in the re-discovery of the Maya civilization in Middle America.   As a side note, he was involved in the planning of the Panama railroad.

 

Edgar Allan Poe called this book: “perhaps the most interesting travel book ever published.”   I found myself captivated – and sometimes riveted – by each chapter . . .  and waiting for some additional free time to enjoy another.

 

Stephens visited 44 Mayan sites… including then unknown Chichen Itza and Uxmal.  His companion, English artist and architect Frederick Catherwood created all the illustrations including 68 engraved plates, a map and numerous text illustrations . . .  vellum covered.

 

Nicely re-bound with partial leather cover with new spines.  The book is complete but does have age spots scattered throughout.  But it is very readable.

 

New York:  Harper & Brothers.  1855.  Edition /  Printing.

 

For the Serious Collector who is or could be fascinated by Mesoamerican culture.