Journal of the Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition, 1891-92. Under Command of D. Lindsay. Equipped solely at the Cost of Sir Thomas Elder GCMG for the Purpose of completing the Exploration of Australia ...
Adelaide, Government Printer, 1893.
Octavo, 207 pages plus the separately-issued very large folding map (680 × 1500 mm).
Wrappers (with the full title page details repeated on the front cover) expertly stabilized around the edges, with minor infill; an excellent copy now loosely inserted in the rear pocket of a custom-made book-form cover, with the map (with short tears along a few folds expertly sealed) in the front pocket.
The journal was originally published with two maps; they are basically identical, but one has added chromolithographic geological features, and a key. This second map is not offered here. McLaren 12614 (the dimensions for the maps are larger than those we have recorded here, because McLaren invariably - and frustratingly - measures the size of the sheet of paper, not the printed surface. See also McLaren 12616 for the foolscap folio edition, South Australian Parliamentary Paper Number 45 of 1893. The folio edition has a stated print run of 750 copies; apparently, only 500 copies of the octavo edition were printed. This copy has a small paper label mounted on the inside front wrapper: 'Publication No. 30. Permanent Record. 1938. Govt. Printer', with the signature in ink of Frank Trigg, the incumbent. Lindsay's introduction hints at some of the personality problems that ultimately led to the abandonment of the expedition. This final report includes his own journal, 'also a copy of Mr. Wells' journal, kept during my absence from the party.... Mr. Streich's journal having been in my possession, I was enabled to place his geological descriptions on the map. Not having seen the journals or reports of Messrs. Leech, Elliot, and Helms, I cannot in any way refer to them. I regret that Mr. Leech should have seen fit not to hand in the pencil sketches made by him'.
Item #104614
Price (AUD):
$1,100.00