Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - June - 2005 Issue
Many Topics from James Cummins Bookseller
Autograph of the other Abraham Lincoln
Item 90 is the story of a harrowing overland travel by Jean Baptiste De Lesseps, published in 1790. It is the Journal historique du voyage de M. De Lesseps... De Lesseps was part of the La Perousse expedition of France to the Pacific. Two years into the journey, La Perousse docked along the Russian Pacific coast. La Perousse had a habit of sending material back home along the way to make sure his observations would make it to France. De Lesseps was chosen as he was fluent in Russian, and best suited for the long overland journey through that country. The distance was long, roads primitive, locals not well-policed, and the Siberian climate not the best. It was a dangerous and uncomfortable journey, but somehow De Lesseps made it back. He was the lucky one. La Perousse's ships sank in a storm, with no survivors. De Lesseps was the only one of the crew to return. $4,500.
Agustin de Iturbide ruled as Emperor of Mexico for a brief period in 1822-23. While he had led forces in support of the Spanish earlier on, he participated in the revolution to create an independent Mexico. However, rather than the reform government others supported, Iturbide forced his way into authority and assumed dictatorial powers. Less than a year later, he was driven into exile. However, Iturbide made one more run for power, attempting to sneak back in. He was quickly recognized, captured, and shot. Item 54 is a reminder of Iturbide's brief rule, a commission in the cavalry for one Don Ignacio Fato. $1,250.
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