ASHE, Thomas (1770-1835). Travels in America, Performed in 1806, for the Purpose of exploring the Rivers Alleghany, Monongahela, Ohio, and Mississippi. London: Richard Phillips, 1808.

3 volumes, 12mo (161 x 95 mm). (Some occasional spotting and annotations.) Contemporary calf gilt, black morocco lettering-pieces gilt, edges sprinkled red (worn, one cover detached, several hinges starting or repaired). Provenance: a few early marginal annotations; Dudley Bell Priester (1923-2017), Mississippi River collector and bibliographer (sold Bloomsbury, 20 November 2009, lot 57).

FIRST EDITION of Ashe's bitter account of America and Americans, based on his journey down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers by flatboat in 1806. "Interesting in spite of its snarling asperity and numerous lies" (Howes). The Edinburgh Review reported of Travels in America: “His account of the Atlantic States forms the most comprehensive piece of national abuse we ever recollect to have perused" (qtd. in Sabin). Bradford 134; Buck 68; Graff 97; Howes A-352; Sabin 2180; Tuckerman, America, pp. 202-205.

[Laid in:] GREEN, James Albert (1862-1955), author and collector of materials related to Ohio Valley History, and William Henry Harrison. Typed document with long postscript in manuscript signed ("James a Green"). Cincinnati, OH, 28 March 1928. 4 pages, 12mo, on wove paper bound with adhesive, some light toning and creasing. Regarding Ashe's hatred of Americans in Travels in America.

Property from the Collection of Perry B. Hansen

ASHE, Thomas (1770-1835). Travels in America, Performed in 1806, for the Purpose of exploring the Rivers Alleghany, Monongahela, Ohio, and Mississippi. London: Richard Phillips, 1808.