2 volumes, 8vo. 3 maps (one folding) and 176 plates by Tosswill and Myers after Catlin. (Lacking the errata slip.) Original green cloth with printed paper spine labels (spines and joints expertly restored, labels rubbed). Provenance: Michael Faraday (presentation inscriptions from the author on both titles [see below], sold Sotheby’s New York, 26 June 1998, lot 187).

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, PRESENTATION COPY TO MICHAEL FARADAY, inscribed by Catlin on the title-page in each volume: “M. Faraday / from his friend / Geo. Catlin. 1841.” 

Catlin's "Indian Gallery" was exhibited in the United States, England, and France, from 1837 to 1852, when he won the esteem and friendship of numerous scientists, explorers and cultural luminaries, including Mayne Reid, Joseph Henry, Henry Clay, Benjamin Silliman, Alexander von Humboldt, F. N. Bunsen, William M. Hunt, Daniel Webster, William H. Seward, John A. Dix, Michael Faraday, and John Murray. He gave numerous speaking engagements when his exhibition opened at the Egyptian Hall in London. The first of these was given at the Royal Institution of Great Britain on February 14, 1840 to an audience of over one thousand, and whose leading membership included scientists Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday. When Letters and Notes was published in October 1841 it was met with further acclaim. Shortly after its publication Catlin sent a copy to Faraday, who responded in a letter dated November 22, 1841 requesting he autograph the volumes for him. (See: Correspondence of Michael Faraday).  

Howes C-241; Sabin 11536; Wagner-Camp-Becker 84:1. AN OUTSTANDING ASSOCIATION COPY.