The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus by Washington Irving, Abridged by the Same

New York: G. & C. H. Carville. Good. 1829. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Irving began work on this Abridged Edition shortly after his first multi-volume edition was released in 1828. In the preliminary page dated "December 1828. Seville" Irving states: "Having been informed that some person in the United States had undertaken to fabricate a less voluminous work out of my history .... I have thought proper to immediately to execute my original intention of making an abridgement of the history, to adapt it for general circulation." This Abridged Edition was prepared by the author in 1828 and first published about June 1829, about a year after the first appearance of his 4 volume London and 3 volume US Editions, both of which came out in 1828. This copy lacks front end paper, there are old owner names on the front end paper and the top 3/8" of title page and following page ("Advertisement") have been removed, not affecting the text (probably by some previous owner who had a name written at the top of the page). This first edition of the abridged edition does not appear to have been issued with any illustrations or maps. This first 1829 edition is uncommon. There are 12 pages of publisher's ads in the rear (all of which are foxed)-- both this book and the 3 volume edition are included in the advertisemnt as is the 3 volume US edition sine both edtions were published by G. & C. H. Carvlle. Bound in the publisher's original full brown leather covers which are generally worn. There is a one inch area missing along the front gutter, and the leather spine lable is also missing. The book is still tight and most pages are free of foxing, there is a 1.5" dampstain to the inner margin which does not intrude into the text. Ref: Sabin 35182 Please inquire if you would like more information. ; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 311 pages .