Step into the age of discovery with this remarkable 1828 First American Edition of Washington Irving’s A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. A foundational work of American historical fiction, this was the first book Irving published under his own name—ushering in a new era of literary biography.
Highlights: • 📘 Three Volumes Complete: Vol. I (399 pp.) includes fold-out map; Vol. II (367 pp.); Vol. III (420 pp.) • 🧵 Elegant Binding: Red half-calf leather over black boards, gilt-stamped spines, refreshed endpapers • 🏷️ Provenance: Bookplates of Chester Jacob Chamberlain—esteemed bibliographer of Longfellow and Lowell—affixed to vols I & III; original owner’s ink signature on Vol. III
• 📜 Condition: Light toning and foxing throughout; several rough-cut pages Vol. III: small chip to upper outer edge (pp. 1–78) Vol. I: 2" closed tear on p. 125 Vol. II: closed tear on p. 284 Map: minor separation at upper fold (see photos)
Why It Matters: Irving’s biography of Columbus blends fact and romanticism, shaping American perceptions of exploration and heroism. This edition, published in New York by G. & C. Carvill, stands as a testament to early American publishing and literary ambition.
Perfect For: Collectors of Americana, literary historians, and those drawn to the golden age of exploration.

