A Diary in America; with remarks on Its Institutions (3 Vol. set) by Marryat, Frederick - 1839

London: Longman, Green and Co, 1839. First Edition. Small Octavo. One of the most fascinating early visits by a noted British traveler to the U.S., who after a noted career in the British navy retired and visited America to "examine ..what were the effects of a democratic form of government'. He traveled widely from Washington to Louisville and St. Louis, up to Canada and wet to Minnesota where he met with Indians near Fort Snelling. His dalliances with the wife of a Louisville phrenologist were pointed out by his detractors. He draws marvelous word pictures of the sights, sounds and smells of the Jacksonian era. His fascination with the natural beauty of the country (waterfalls were things of wonder to him) is an additional pleasure to reading his views. While not as perceptive as de Tocqueville, his aristocratic asides and vivid descriptions make this a classic early view of America well worth reading. Bound in 3/4 dark blue morocco over marbled paper covered boards, marbled endpapers slightly raised bands with compartments lettered and decorated in gilt, top edges gilt, short surface split to head of volume three, some rubbing to joints and corners. A very good set. [Howes M-300].