[ETHNOLOGY] PRICHARD, James Cowles

The Natural History of Man; Comprising Inquiries into the Modifying Influence of Physical and Moral Agencies on the Different Tribes of The Human Family

London: H. Bailliere, 1843. First U.K. Edition. Octavo. 24cm. Contemporary deep red English straight grain morocco gilt with gilt borders and foliate decoration to compartments. [xvi]; 556pp. Strong and solid, hinges tight and strong, some rubbing and scuffing to corners and spine ends, a little darkening to the spine; internally clean and fresh, plain brown endpapers, old but possibly later, all edges gilt, half title present, lavishly illustrated with 40 engraved plates, some mild foxing and toning to the uncolored engravings (the title page calls for 36 in color, and 4 uncolored; this copy contains 35 in color, and an additional uncolored plate, for reasons unknown), and 90 engravings in text, a suite of six folio sized maps was issued to accompany the volume, for an additional charge of 15 shillings, but are not present here. A very good, clean and attractive copy of a striking book.

An anthropological study of the races of man, predicated upon Prichard's assertion that there was a universal race of mankind, and that differing racial characteristics originated in environmental differences rather than anything else. The work opens with a digested summary of pre-Darwinian evolutionary thought up to that point, covering Lamarck, Cuvier et al, but aimed squarely at the scriptural conceit that all humans originate from a single genetic origin. Lavishly illustrated, and with visibly high production values, featuring a suite of at least 8 Native American plates by George Catlin. 88093.

Price: $2,500.00

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