Topographical Survey of the Adirondack Region of New York: Seventh Annual Report to the Year 1879
Albany: State of New York / Weed, Parsons and Company Printers, 1880. Verplanck Colvin. First Edition. Hardcover. 8vo. Pp. 533. Frontis. color lithograph view of Lake Tear of the Clouds. Illustrated with 32 engravings and 7 maps, some in two colors, most folding out. Index. Black cloth, titles and decorations stamped in gilt on the spine, illustration and border blind stamped on the cover. Cloth faded to brown and title gilt mostly worn away, spine head chipped, edges rubbed, foxing to endpapers and some leaves, short, closed tears to several fold-out leaves, variable age toning and a few wormholes. Good. Item #6348 Albeit an unsophisticated copy with several condition issues, the maps and engravings are generally in presentable condition, warranting light archival repair (or not) should framing be desired. A work of laborious achievement.
Young Verplanck had enthusiastically explored the Adirondack wilderness and in 1869 reported on clear-cutting on Seward Mountain as a threat to water resources. He was appointed Superintendent of the Adirondack Survey in 1872, leading a crew of 100. His work led to the establishment of the Adirondack Forest Preserve in 1885.
Price: $325.00