THE ALPS, OR SKETCHES OF LIFE AND NATURE IN THE MOUNTAINS. [First Edition.] [Mountaineering.] [Exploration.] 1861 by BERLEPSCH, H. STEPHEN, Leslie - 1861

London: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts, 1861. FIRST EDITION / FIRST PRINTING, IN ENGLISH.. First printing of the English translation, translated by the famed mountaineer Leslie Stephen. With all 17 tinted plates from designs by Emil Rittmeyer. Fine leather binding by the prestigious Bickers and Son Bindery of London, and signed by them. Bound in a full, polished, calf leather binding. Intricately gilded spine. Raised hubs. Label is moroccan leather and states 'THE ALPS'. Dual ruled framing to the covers. Gilded trimming and turn ins. Marbled edges and end papers. Printed on quality paper. In very good condition. The leather is very fresh and supple. The hinges are sound and fully attached. The paper is fresh, bright, and clean, and near fine. About free of any foxing. Except for the second blank end papers, after the marbled end papers, which are foxed and of a lesser quality paper than the actual text block, as issued. An inscription on the blank end paper dated 1865. There is some generalized wear and abrasion to the binding. 9 inches tall. This is an exceptional book. Includes a note by the translator of the Explorations of 1861, including mention of the first ascents of Lyskamm, Monte Viso, and Weisshorn, amongst other recent achievements. Simultaneously printed in Leipzig, under the title: Die Alpen in Natur-und Lebensbildern. This is the first English printing, published the same year as the German printing. Printed during The Golden Age of Alpinism, the period between Alfred Wills's ascent of the Wetterhorn in 1854 and Edward Whymper's ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, during which many major peaks in the Alps saw their first ascents. Sir Leslie Stephen, was an English author, critic and mountaineer, and the father of Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. Stephen was one of the most prominent figures in the golden age of alpinism (the period between Wills's ascent of the Wetterhorn in 1854 and Whymper's ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865) during which many major alpine peaks saw their first ascents. Joining the Alpine Club in 1857 (the year of its formation), Stephen made the first ascent, usually in the company of his favorite Swiss guide Melchior Anderegg, of nine peaks. All books are professionally wrapped, to help ensure safe handling during transit. We regularly ship internationally. And, we offer a full refund guarantee, per our terms as described on our site, with notification of such intent requested. Additional photographs are available. Please contact us with any inquiries.