The Golden Americas. A Study of Great Discoveries and Daring Deeds, by John Tillotson,

An uncommon and attractively illustrated nineteenth-century account of the exploration, conquest and early history of the Americas, by the British writer and journalist John Tillotson. The Golden Americas recounts the voyages and exploits of European explorers and adventurers, combining geographical discovery, maritime adventure and historical narrative. Particular attention is given to the Spanish conquest of Central and South America, the pursuit of gold and riches, and encounters with the indigenous civilisations of the New World. Written in the lively style characteristic of Victorian popular histories, the work reflects the fascination with heroic exploration and the imperial attitudes of its period. Extensively illustrated with engravings.

The Golden Americas. A Study of Great Discoveries and Daring Deeds, by John Tillotson. Illustrated with many Engravings from designs by Eminent Artists.

Published by Ward, Lock, and Tyler, London. Undated but c. 1869 (undated). Presumed first edition of this uncommon work.

A very good hardback with dark green leather spine and corners, with decorative gilt borders. Boards with dark green cloth. Spine with gilt raised bands and gilt red Morocco title label. Covers with light scuffing and bumping. Endpapers cracked at front inner hinge, but binding is sound.

Some light spotting and offsetting from turn-ins to endpapers. Text is bright and clean throughout. Occasional small flaw - including marginal edge loss tear opposite p.32 and top corner crease to p.375. Marbled edges to text block. Overall an attractive and well illustrated text.

Text in English.

xi (including frontispiece engraving) + 376pp + an additional 16 Plates (all present as called for). Numerous illustrations in the text.

Dimensions: approximately 165mm high x 113mm wide x 37mm deep.

Weight: approximately 602g (unpacked).