Astoria Or, Enterprise Beyond the Rocky Mountains by Irving, Washington - 1836

London: Richard Bentley, 1836., 1836. 3 Volumes. 8vo. pp. 1 p.l., xvi, 317 + [2]ads; ix, 320; vii, 294. with half-title in Vol. I. Untrimmed in original bds., functionally rebacked with new spine labels (inner margin of Vol. II title strengthened, first & last page in each vol. lightly embrowned). First London Edition of the classic account of John Jacob Astor's attempt in 1811 to establish the first American settlement on the Pacific coast. Largely based on the reminiscences and writings of fur traders, Robert Stuart, Gabriel Franchère, and Ross Cox, the work presents a faithful chronicle of events at Astoria from its founding until its surrender to the Northwest Company in 1813, and contains much interesting information respecting the growing rivalry between the two fur trading companies, and the manners and customs of the Pacific Coast Indian tribes. Also included here is the "earliest extended relation of Wilson P.Hunt's overland expedition from St. Louis to that settlement." (Howes) Cowan… Read More