The Highest Andes, E. A. Fitz Gerald — 1st Edition

£55.00

The Highest Andes, E. A. Fitz Gerald — 1st Edition

Name: The Highest Andes, E. A. Fitz Gerald — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5940
Price: 55.00 GBP
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Publication: New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1899

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xvi, 390.

Condition Report: Good. The primary detraction of this volume is the highly visible, crude reinforcement of the inner hinges using brown paper tape, which significantly compromises the internal antiquarian integrity. Externally, the original dark green publisher's cloth exhibits moderate shelf-wear, notably distinct fraying and bumping to the head and foot of the spine, alongside rubbing to the board corners and extremities. Despite this exterior fatigue, the structural tightness of the text block remains generally sound, and the impressive gilt tooling, specifically the soaring condor on the upper board and the spine lettering, is well-preserved and unoxidised. The top edge gilt is present though slightly dulled, whilst the untrimmed fore and bottom edges show typical shelf-dusting. Internally, the pages display gentle, uniform age-toning but remain largely bright, legible, and unmarred by heavy foxing or damp staining.

Catalogue Note: This is the First American Edition of Fitz Gerald's seminal mountaineering record, published in New York simultaneously with the UK Methuen edition. The volume retains its primary dark green cloth binding, distinguished by the handsome gilt condor motif.

The book is profusely illustrated with photographs, drawings, and maps (as noted on the title page: "fifty-one illustrations, and a panorama"), documenting the historic first ascents of Aconcagua and Tupungato. The preliminary leaves and title page bear standard early ownership signatures, most notably "J. L. Leith 1904" and a later "Cambridge / December 13, 1919" inscription, anchoring the book nicely within early twentieth-century provenance.

While true first printings of The Highest Andes are decidedly uncommon on the open market, they are highly sought after by collectors of Alpine and South American exploration literature. The present copy, owing to the aforementioned tape repairs to the hinges, serves as an accessible working or shelf copy for the mountaineering enthusiast.

The Highest Andes is Edward Arthur Fitz Gerald’s monumental and gripping account of his 1896–1897 expedition to South America, which successfully achieved the first ascents of Aconcagua, the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, and Tupungato. Accompanied by the renowned Swiss guide Matthias Zurbriggen (who made the final push to Aconcagua's summit solo) and a team of scientific experts, Fitz Gerald extensively documented the gruelling high-altitude conditions, extreme weather, and the region's unique topography and wildlife. Rich in scientific observation and thrilling narrative, this work remains a cornerstone of classic mountaineering literature.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: E. A. Fitz Gerald

Book Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Travel, Exploration & Adventure

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 390

Book Publication Year: 1899

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: New York, United States

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.