A Knickerbocker Tour of New York State, 1822: "Our Travels, Statistical, Geographical, Mineorological, Geological, Historical, Political and Quizzical by Written by myself XYZ etc. [Johnston Verplanck?] and Tucker, Louis Leonard [editor] - 1968

The University of the State of New York,The State Education Department, The New York State Library, Albany, NY, 1968. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine Condition/Good. Signed by Editor. First edition of the work in this format and binding, and/or set or series. Size: Octavo (standard book size). Text body is clean, and free from previous owner annotation, underlining and highlighting. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. This is a signed, presentation copy of this book; signed and inscribed by Louis Leonard Tucker to Norman S. Rice of the Albany Institute of History and Art thanking him for his help with the book. Dark blue gilt stamped pebbled cloth over boards, maps on endpapers, vi, 136 pages, Introduction and Notes written by the editor, 10 color illustrations. In a glassine jacket that is toned, chipped along bottom edges, lightly chipped on top edges. "Unlike most travel accounts of this era, 'Our Travels' bears greater significance for its literary values than for its descriptive content. The author was more concerned with the manner of expression with the sights and sites he observed. He consciously structured the work as a satire, as a learned spoof of the travel accounts then flooding America. In essence, it was a burlesque of the pompous, logical style of contemporary travel writings, a flight of sheer nonsense gleefully run riot. While it lacks the vibrant description and penetrating insights and analysis of classic travel accounts, 'Our Travels' nonetheless has value for the historian. Embedded in its thick satiric crust are numerous nuggets of information bearing historical value. The journal provides the social historian with information on the topic of traveling in 1822. There is data on a variety of modes of conveyance, the quality of facilities and fare at inns, the character and conditions of roads, and the attitudes and actions of those who service the needs of travelers." Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: 1 lb 13 oz. Category: History; Books; Genealogy & Local History. Signed by Editor. Main Picture: Without dust wrapper. Picture 2: Showing glassine dust wrapper. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 008955. .