The Cliff Dwellers of The Mesa Verde / Southwestern Colorado / Their Pottery and Implements (SIGNED BY ADOLF ERIK NORDENSKIOLD TO FINNISH INDEPENDENCE LEADER KONRAD "KONNI" VIKTOR ZILLIACUS)
Stockholm: P.A. Norstedt & Soner, 1893. First Edition. Hardcover. 11 1/8 X 14 1/2 Inches. 174 PP. Good. Item #4718
First edition of the first serious archaeological study of the Mesa Verde and the Pueblo Indian cliff dwellings in the American Southwest. Profusely illustrated and bound in orignal printed blue paper with leather spine and tips. Translated into English by D. Lloyd Morgan. Scholarly study of the cliff dwellers of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. 61 plates / 12 of which are double-page (25 photographs, 9 photogravures, 6 tinted lithographs, 11 sepia-tone photographs, 10 line drawings, map & 94 text figures). There was also a Swedish language issue with fewer plates.
Signed and inscribed by Adolf Erik Nordenskiold, Gustaf's father and noted mineralogist and Arctic Explorer, to fellow Finnish Independence leader Konrad 'Konni" Viktor Zilliacus. Both Nordenskiold and Zilliacus were active in the struggle for independence of Finland from Russia. Inscription reads, "Mr. Konni Zilliacus / with the best respects / from / AE Nordenskiold. A VERY IMPORTANT COPY LINKING THE FAMED NORDENSKIOLD FAMILY OF SCIENTISTS AND EXPLORERS TO FELLOW RUSSIAN REVOLUTIONARY ZILLIACUS.
The book is complete, but exhibits damp-staining to the bottom 1/5 throughout. Pages 167-174 present, but have separated from binding. Binding is a bit shaken. Light toning and some wear to plates and tissue guards. While the book does have issues, it is most certainly a very important association copy and remains attractive.
Price: $6,500.00