First US Edition. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1872. 8vo. Rebound purple cloth. Pages: 164, [ii]. Over 100 wood-engraved illustrations throughout.

Rebound in purple cloth, retaining original spine strip and cover panels. Decorative patterns stamped in black to front and blind to rear. Spine lettered and illustrated in gilt and black. Top edge gilt, others uncut. Multiple pages of newspaper clippings tipped in at front. Four pages of newspaper clippings tipped in at front and one at rear.

Good. Binding retains original covers while have been pasted to new cloth. Remains a sturdy copy in very good condition. Original contents well preserved. Some toning marks left on pages opposing tipped in newspaper clippings. Some toning to contents.

The first US edition of Whymper's most famous and enduring work. Whymper, already perhaps the most famous mountaineer of his time, became obsessed with the idea of making the first ascent of the Matterhorn. His attempt became known as the Disaster on the Matterhorn, and caused the deaths of four of his expedition companions. While the tragedy tempered his legacy, he remains a key figure of early mountaineering literature and his writings and lectures remain important to the historical record of the subject.

Full title: Scrambles Amongst The Alps in the Years 1860-'69.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

This book is currently on display in the rare book section of our Paddington store.

If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: [email protected]