Dec 17, 2020 - Sale 2555

Sale 2555 - Lot 263

Price Realized: $ 1,250
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,800 - $ 2,200
BRIDEL, LOUIS. Le Pour et le Contre ou Avis a Ceux qui se Proposent de Passer dans les Etats-Unis d'Amerique. Suivi d'une Description du Kentucky et du Genesy, Deux des Nouveaux Etablissemens les Plus Considerables de Cette Partie du Nouveau Monde. [iv], 162 pages, typometric folding map of western New York state. 8vo, 6 3/4x4 1/4 inches, contemporary tree calf with gilt blazon to both covers, needs rebinding; minor foxing; ink stamps to title and final leaf, smaller less obtrusive stamp to the map. Paris: Levrault, Schoell & Comp.; and Basle: Guillaume Haas, 1803
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Additional Details

Rare immigration guide offering prospective European settlers a frank account of the drawbacks and opportunities of pioneering within the wilderness of the eastern United States.

"The map is a curiosity; it is composèe avec des caractéres mobiles" (Sabin). Indeed, the fine folding map of north west New York state is quite unusual. Titled "Carte representant la partie du Genesy Country que la Compagnie Hollandoise", it was designed and printed using a typometric process wherein the toponyms, linework, and topographic symbols were each set with various individual tools and moveable type.

The author expressively closes the text: "Let those who are determined to start for the New World not act rashly, by chance, or caprice. They would run the risk of making a foolish, ill-advised step, of which they would have to repent. In all cases why should they not take advantage of the circumstances? My heart bleeds when I see my fellow citizens leave their country as straying sheep, without protection, without a leader. I do not tell them to go. I do not tell them to remain. Let each be the judge of his own case. There are pros and cons. The advantages mingle, with the disadvantages. Let them take the balance. I have given some notions that they should consider, some advice they should put in practice. As for me my task is finished. I have satisfied the most urgent need of my heart, which will be as it always has been to be useful to my fellows. Terar dum prosim (Let me be spent as long as I am useful). Shores of the Ohio, I salute you. I salute you, charming hills of the Allegheny and the Tonnewonta, from whose summits the farmer looks upon the limpid surface of the Great Lakes as I see the majestic Leman spread under my windows. Success to those who betake themselves to your shades; may they leave in Europe their vices and their misery and carry with them only their virtues".

Sabin 7802; 1919 Anderson Galleries catalog, sale 1437, lot 306 ("One of the rarest New York pamphlets"); Publications of the Buffalo Historical Society, Volume 18, 1914, pages 256-313 with a complete translation of the work.