BULLOCK, William.
Le Mexique en 1823, ou relation d'un voyage dans la Nouvelle-Espagne ...
Paris, Alexis-Eymery, 1824. 3 volumes. 8vo (text) and oblong 4to (atlas). The atlas contains 2 large folding maps (44.2 x 32 and 32 x 35.5 cm), and 19 lithographed plates by Marlet, including 6 nicely coloured by hand and one folding (14 x 36.5 cm), depicting views, costumes and scultpture of Mexico. Contemporary half green painted vellum, green paste paper sides, with brown title labels lettered in gold on the spines. [4], III, LXXII, 364; [4], 370, [2]; 11 pp.
€ 4,950
Very rare first edition of the French translation of this important relation on Mexico by William Bullock (ca. 1773-1849), an English traveller, naturalist and antiquarian. He began as a jeweller and goldsmith in Sheffield, moved to Liverpool and brought together an interesting collection of natural history and art items. He founded a private museum in 1800 which he moved to London in 1810 and was housed in the newly built "Egyptian Hall". In 1822 and 1823, Bullock went by way of Jamaica to Mexico, being the first English traveller in Mexico since Thomas Gage (ca. 1603-1656) in 1640. Bullock visited many places and ancient monuments, of which extensive descriptions can be found in the present work. Attention is given to a wide range of subjects, including the history, geology, geography, flora and fauna of the country, and the culture, religion and commerce of its inhabitants. The many Mexican artefacts and specimens he brought to England, were exposed in his museum. In 1824, the original English edition of his travel accounts appeared, soon followed by French, German and Dutch translations.
The volumes are uncut and partially unopened. The bindings show some minor signs of wear, the text volumes are somewhat foxed throughout. Otherwise in good condition. Sabin 9141; cf. Chadenat 2050 (other ed.); DNB VII, p. 256; Streeter I, 210 (other ed.).
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