1845 Wilkes Pacific US Expedition Australia California GOLD Tahiti Peru Brazil



The ‘Wilkes Expedition’ was one of the most important exploration voyages ever taken on by the United States. It helped stimulate scientific growth, particularly oceanography. The United States Exploring Expedition, or ‘U.S. Ex. Ex’ for short, was a surveying voyage of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lands. According to Howes,

“The first United States scientific expedition by sea. Wilkes sailed along and surveyed the whole Northwest coast and his exploring parties penetrated into the interior at many points. The official edition of the ‘Narrative’ was followed, by volumes giving scientific data.”



Wilkes searched the expanses of the ocean all the way south to the shores of Antarctica, surveying hundreds of uninhabited islands as well encountering various cultures and indigenous peoples from South America to Australia. Wilkes references culture, topography, agriculture, horticulture, Animalia, and forests. However, some of the most desirable and important aspects of this account include Wilkes’ gold discoveries in California.



Other important contents include:

Views of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Slaves and slavery in South America, purchases for North America

Zoological, Climate, Topographical discoveries in the Southern hemisphere

Weapons used in Patagonia

Prisons in Chile

Spanish influence throughout South America – homes, churches, recreations

Peru Civil War

Missionaries in Tahiti

Superstitions, witchcraft, burials, tattooing, circumcision, alcohol consumption in Australia

Cannibal rituals



This 1845 ‘abridged’ edition was published in London by Whittaker. Perhaps Rosove’s note on this work is the most telling –

“virtually all copies are in institutional libraries.”



Item number: #23385

Price: $750



WILKES, Charles



Narrative of the United States exploring expedition, during the years 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842



London: Whittaker & Co., [1845].



Details:

Collation: Complete with all pages

vi, [2], 372

References: Howes W 414; Sabin 103994; Reese, BoW 85; Rosove 352.A2

Provenance: Bookplate – Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando (1924–2004) was an American actor and activist. Considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, he received numerous accolades throughout his career, which spanned six decades.

Language: English

Binding: Hardcover; tight and secure

Size: ~9.75in X 6.5in (24.5cm x 16cm)



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