Washington, [DC], The Smithsonian Institution, 1848. Large 4to (30.0 x 23.3 cm). 345 [xxxix, 306] pp.; 47 engraved or tinted lithographed (tissue-guarded) plates, 207 text engravings. Later black half morocco over black linen. Gilt title on spine, gilt logo on front board. Speckled edges.

A well-illustrated work by the American archaeologist and newspaper editor E. G. Squier (1821-1888) and the American physician and archaeologist Edwin Hamilton Davis (1811-1888). It deals with pre-Columbian North American material. This is the famous Smithsonian Contribution to Knowledge, Volume 1. Library stamps on general title (title to the work of Squier and Davis clean), first blank recto, and first plate verso (not shining through). Library label remnants on front free endpaper, otherwise a very good, clean copy, without foxing or toning. Cat. BM(NH), p. 1996.