INCIDENTS OF TRAVEL IN CENTRAL AMERICA, CHIAPAS, AND YUCATAN by Stephens, John L - 1841

New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1841. 2 volumes. 424 + 474 pages. Folding map (with tear in margin), illustrated with engravings. Octavo, 9 x 5 1/2 inches. Half red morocco; spines rubbed; some light foxing throughout. First edition. "With English artist Frederick Catherwood, Stephens is responsible for discovering and advertising the existence of the ancient Mayan ruins in Honduras, Guatemala, and Yucatan. On his first trip in 1839 Stephens accepted the diplomatic position as the United States Ambassador to the vague Central American Republic. Descriptions of his futile efforts to present his credentials, the life and customs of the Indians, the political state of Yucatan which was soon to be disrupted by the devastating caste Wars, and the ruins are all written in a vivid but lighthearted literary style. His books were immensely popular, and to many of the mid-19th century Stephens was 'the American traveler.'" - Cole. AMERICAN TRAVELERS TO MEXICO. #405.