STEPHENS, John L. - Lot 152

STEPHENS, John L. Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yukatan. Twelfth Edition. New York, Harper & Brothers, 1852. 2 volumes (233 x 145 mm) engraved frontispiece, 424 pp. 1 large lithographed folding map, 23 engraved plates for volume I; engraved double-page frontispiece, 474 pp. 4 pp. of bookseller's catalog, 43 engraved plates (one double-page) for volume II. See Sabin, 91297. Very richly illustrated edition of this important travelogue to Yucatan. Very popular since its first publication, the author indicates in his preface that he already reached the tenth edition after 3 months of marketing. Lloyd Stephens (1805-1852), American explorer, was a central figure in the rediscovery of the Maya civilization in all of Central America. He was also a great promoter of the project to build the Isthmus of Panama railroad. This popular work offered the public the first glimpses of Mayan culture. With detailed descriptions of Mayan archaeology and superb illustrations based on Catherwood's views and drawings, all subsequent works on the Mayan people were based on these accounts. Stephens' first trip, originally a diplomatic visit on behalf of President Van Buren, was cut short by his illness, and his first book on Central and South America was published in 1841. This account of his second trip became the inspiration for a generation of travelers to the region. It details no less than forty ruins, illustrating in particular imposing temples, pyramids and other structures built by an almost extinct Maya population. The 68 plates (including the frontispieces), mostly lithographed, show details of the remains, plans, and some views. Modest copy, spine faded and with tears, foxing.