TRAVELS IN NORTH AMERICA; with Geological Observations on the United States, Canada, and Nova Scotia

Originally published in 1845, these two volumes describe Charles Lyell’s travels around North America in the early 1840’s. Lyell had already gained some considerable fame as a geologist with his works; Principles of Geology and Elements of Geology and counted Charles Darwin as a close friend. Whilst containing many geological observations, these works became very popular at the time no doubt due to the insightful essays which covered a broad spectrum of topics. These range from the economics of the country – at a period in its history when it was struggling to gain international credibility for its tax and banking systems; the situation of the slaves he met, including their apparent pride in the price that their white masters achieved in hiring them out; and the politics of a country in which the population was growing at an incredible rate through very diverse immigration. A fascinating study of North America during one of its most formative periods.