NARRATIVE OF THE MISSION TO RUSSIA, IN 1866, OF THE HON. GUSTAVUS VASA FOX, ASSISTANT-SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. FROM THE JOURNAL AND NOTES OF J.F. LOUBAT.
New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1873. First edition. Edited by John D. Champlin, Jr. 8vo, original russet pebbled cloth, attractively decorated and lettered in gilt and black; slate gray endpapers. (4), viii, (3), 10–444, (2) pages; 13 finely engraved plates, mostly depicting European royalty, with tissue guards. Gift inscription from a member of the Fox family on opening blank. Only moderate wear, the most obvious at head and tail of spine; near fine. Item #7790
An attractive copy of one of Joseph Florimond, Duke of Loubat’s non-numismatic titles. Loubat’s work on American medals is well-known, but his other publications have generally faded from memory. The author’s tendency toward lavish production values is perhaps not as prominently displayed with this volume, though its printing and binding are well above average. The engravings—of Tsar Alexander II, Christian IX of Denmark, Princess Dagmar of Denmark (Grand Duchess Marie Feodorovna), Queen Olga of Wüttemberg, Empress Marie of Russia, and others—illustrate their subjects and Loubat’s quest for social advancement in equal proportion. The purpose of the mission to Russia was to congratulate the Tsar on surviving an assassination attempt in 1866—the first attempt of several, the last of which (1881) was successful.
Price: $225.00