Researches into the Physical History of Mankind. [5 vols., third edition, circa 1850, prize bindings].

Prichard, James Cowles

Edité par Houlston and Stoneman, London, 1850

1850. London, octavo. [Vol. I: xx, 376 p., 8 plates; Vol II: xiv, 373 p., 6 plates (4 hand-colored); Vol. III: Houlston and Wright, xxii, 507 p., 3 plates (1 hand-colored); Vol. IV: xv, 631 p., 3 plates (2 hand-colored), folding colored map; Vol. V: xv, 570 p., 2 hand-colored plates. ***CONTENT: Prichard (1786-1848) was a British physician and ethnologist with a focus on physical anthropology and psychiatry. This treatise, one of his most celebrated works, deals with the origin of human varieties and races, and is regarded as a foundational contribution to modern ethnological studies. Volume I considers evolutionary theory, variation, dispersion, the origin of races, scriptural interpretations, etc. Volume II considers the physical ethnography of African races; Volume III describes the history and ethnography of European nations. Volume IV outlines the history and ethnology of Asiatic peoples; volume V describes the history and ethnology of Pacific islanders and American tribal nations. Nine splendid color plates illustrate native peoples in traditional attire; plates of skulls from different races and locales are informative, according to the author. The colored "Ethnological Map of Asia" unfolds to 17x14 inches and is striking. The central conclusion of the work is the unity of human species, which, due to varied environments and causes, differentiated into races. Prichard has been described as an evolutionary thinker, who, without using the term, embraced aspects of natural selection. ***CONDITION: This is a Fine set bound in contemporary full brown calf with elaborate gilt-titled and decorated backstrips with five raised bands. The covers are well preserved, clean, and bright; extremities and backstrips with light rubbing. Marbled edges and matching endpapers. Joints and hinges solid, bindings very firm. The text pages and illustrations are near pristine: fresh, clean, and bright; the colored plates of different racial members are exquisite. ***PROVENANCE: These volumes are "Hornby Prize" bindings presented annually to a student proficient in military and civil studies by Cheltenham College, Cheltenham. The front covers display gilt vignettes of the 'old library' on campus. An inscription in volume one presents the 1867 prize to F.S. Bishop. No other evidence of previous ownership. A most handsome set of a classic treatise. BMNH 1614. International shipping will be extra, but only at my cost. N° de réf. du vendeur OG5628

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : Researches into the Physical History of ...
Éditeur : Houlston and Stoneman, London
Date d'édition : 1850
Reliure : Hardcover
Etat : Fine