Mexico In 1827. By H. G. Ward, Esq., His Majesty's Charge D'Affaires In That Country During The Years 1825, 1826, And Part Of 1827. In Two Volumes

WARD, ESQ, H. G.

Publication: Henry Coburn, 1828, London

First edition. 8vo. Volume I: Three quarter green morocco and marbled colored paper over boards, spine and corners gilt ruled, spine with gilt decoration and raised bands, marbled front and rear endpapers, top edges gilt, xix [1], 591 pp. preface, illustrated, plates, folding maps. Volume II: Three quarter green morocco and marbled colored paper over boards, spine and corners gilt ruled, spine with gilt decoration and raised bands, marbled front and rear endpapers, top edges gilt, viii, 730 pp., illustrated, plates, folding maps. Thirteen total plates after original artwork by Lady Emily Elizabeth Swinburne Ward, five of which are folded (ten aquatints, one with hand-coloring, three lithographs). Five wood engraved text illustrations and two engraved folded maps. Ward's diplomatic career began in 1816, and he visited Mexico for the first time in 1823. The following year in 1824, he would marry Emily Elizabeth Swinburne who would accompany him on his second trip to Mexico in 1825 in his role of Charge d'Affaires. This work was an early appraisal of the fledgling Mexican Republic which provides numerous details on aspects such as trade, mining, economic activity, descriptions of cities, towns, and villages, and topography. The first map is titled "Mexico" and is depictive of the Republic as it stood at the time. The second map is "Map of Routes to the Principal Mining Districts in the Central States of Mexico." The plates are attractive and of good artistic quality with images depicting town scenes, an agave cactus, church scenes, Chapultepec, the interior of an Indian hut, etc. Both volumes are moderately rubbed with upper hinges professionally reinforced, and with the attractive bookplate of Edward Dean Adams on the front pastedown sheet, else in very good condition.

Inventory Number: 48450