Narrative of the expedition of an American squadron to the China seas and Japan, performed in the years 1852, 1853, and 1854, under the command of Commodore M. C. Perry [...] [- Observations on the zodiacal light [...]: with conclusions from the data thus obtained; by Rev. George Jones].

3 vol., 4to; 155 pl. + 1 double (some pp. or pl. sl. browned, sm. holes in p. 279 of vol. I, very occ. foxing, one soiling in vol. II).

Publ. blind-orn. cardboard, gilt-orn. flat spines (discoloured, sl. rubbed).

First edition (vol. I, Congress issue) of the detailed and abundantly illustrated account of the "Perry Expedition": the United States Navy officer led the diplomatic and military mission to end Japan's policy of isolation. Illustrated with 156 plates, mainly lithogr. (incl. 1 double): 91 pl., many on tinted background and coloured, of views, maps, portraits, etc. and incl. the often missing, supressed engr. "Public baths at Simoda" loosely insterted in vol. I, 22 maps (most fold.), 23 pl. + 1 in double of natural history (i.a. conchilogy and ornithology), 16 pl. of diagrams, 3 facsimile colour pl. (2 fold.), in-text and full-page ill. Vol. III entirely devoted to astronomy is fully illustrated with black full-page.
Ref. Sabin 30958. - Cordier, Japonica, 513 & Sinica, 2122-2123. - Nissen (ZBI) 3132.
Prov. M.F. McBeth (ms. entry 1959 and stamp).