LETTERS OF ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT, Written Between the Years 1827 and 1858, to Varnhagen von Ense. Together with Extracts from Varnhagen's Diaries, and Letters from Varnhagen and Others to Humboldt. Authorized Translation from the German, with Explanatory Notes and a Full Index of Names.
London: Trübner and Company, 1860. First Edition. Hardcover. Ludmilla Assing, the niece of German writer and diplomat Varnhagen von Ense (1785-1858), was the editor of this selection of letters from Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) to her uncle, to whom Humboldt had entrusted the preservation of their correspondence. Some passages from Varnhagen's diary are also included to supply a vivid commentary on the letters, which present detailed records of Humboldt's life, activity, and habits of thought, and contain materials of unquestionable importance for portraying an accurate picture of his mind and character. The other letters contained in the volume illustrate his worldwide circle of correspondents. Octavo: xxvi, 334 pp. In a full green calf binding by Zaehnsdorf, with a red morocco spine label, gilt-stamped titling, borders, and ornamentation, blind-stamped dentelles, and marbled endpapers and edges. Period ink gift inscription from one Eton student to another on the prefatory blank leaf. Some mild scuffing to the leather; otherwise very good. Very good. Item #79655
Price: $200.00