A Flying Trip to the Tropics: A Record of an Ornithological Visit to the United States of Colombia, South America and to the Island of Curacao, West Indies in the Year 1892
Cambridge: Riverside Press, 1895. First Edition, First Printing.
A scarce and meticulously documented record of a 19th-century scientific expedition to Colombia and the West Indies.
Despite the whimsical title, Robinson—a West Point instructor and dedicated naturalist—conducted a rigorous ship-bound survey of the region’s avian life. The work is particularly noted for its high-production value, featuring vibrant chromolithography that captures the brilliant plumage of South American specimens before the era of modern color photography.
This volume serves as both a serious ornithological study and a charming travelogue, capturing the flora, fauna, and cultural landscape of the Caribbean and Colombia at the end of the 19th century.
KEY FEATURES
+++ The Chromolithographs: Features four stunning color plates with tissue-guards by the legendary natural history illustrator J. G. Keulemans. Printed by Mintern Bros. of London, these plates include:
* The Toucan (Ramphastos tocard)
* Parakeets (Conurus wagleri)
* Partridge (Eupsychortyx leucotis)
* The Oriole (Icterus icterus)
+++ Cartography: Includes six maps in total: one large folding colored map of Colombia and one double-page colored map of Curacao.
+++ Comprehensive Visuals: Richly illustrated with numerous drawings, portraits, and photographs from the author’s own collection.
+++ Scientific Value: Includes an extensive appendix and a robust bibliography (pp. 177–194) concerning the natural history of Colombia and Curacao.
SPECS
+++ Format: Octavo; 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
+++ Pagination: x, 194 pages + Appendix & Index.
+++ Binding: Professionally rebacked in cloth matching the original green linen. Original front board illustration and gilt/black stamped spine title have been expertly laid on.
CONDITION: VERY GOOD. A tight, square, and structurally superior copy. The professional rebacking has preserved the character of the original binding while ensuring long-term durability. New end-papers have been added. The text block remains clean with light, even toning consistent with age.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
Wirt Robinson (1864–1929) was far more than a casual traveler; he was a career soldier and West Point instructor who personified the 19th-century 'Scholar-Officer.' This volume is a primary document of the Golden Age of American Ornithology, representing the push by U.S. institutions to categorize the avian biodiversity of the Tropics.
The inclusion of plates by J.G. Keulemans—the most sought-after bird illustrator of the Victorian era—elevates this from a mere travel diary to a high-status scientific production. Keulemans’ work for the British Museum and his contributions to the world’s most expensive bird books (such as those by Buller and Dresser) lend this Riverside Press edition a level of bibliographical prestige rarely seen in American military-authored works.
Furthermore, Robinson’s record of Curaçao remains one of the few detailed English-language natural histories of the island from the late 19th century. His observations on the local populations and the logistical challenges of 'collecting' in the pre-aviation era provide a vital window into the intersection of Victorian science, colonialism, and the arduous reality of field-work in South America.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
Zimmer, p. 529: Cites the work for its early lists of birds and fishes; Casey Wood, p. 539: Describes the work as an important record of tropical collecting; Smith R48; Evans 23941; OCLC 769157894; American Nineteenth Century Color Plate Books.
Subjects: 19th Century Ornithology, South American Exploration, Colombia Travel & Description, J. G. Keulemans Illustrations, West Indies Natural History, Curacao, Chromolithography.
Item #21680
Price: $575.00
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