LETTERS FROM EUROPE, DURING A TOUR THROUGH SWITZERLAND AND ITALY, In the Years 1801 and 1802

2 volumes. Scarce First Edition. 8vo, full contemporary tree calf, the spines with gilt tooled bands creating compartments with large central gilt devices and with gilt lettering in one compartment. xv,524; xi, 472 pp. A very nice set of this scarce work, rare in contemporary state and so well preserved, the textblocks are surprisingly crisp and clean, the old American calf is still fresh and attractive with some expected age, expert antique restoration along the hinges and tips.

Edizione: a very scarce early american travel book. it is a collection of thirty-two letters written between august of 1801 and october of 1802. the author was a a silhouette artist and merchant and his letters cover a very broad range of subjects while at the same time describing the areas visited, and the process of traveling to them, quite extensively. they dwell in great detail on italy, and especially rome, although the book begins with a letter from paris and ends with the voyage home and impressions on seeing new york.