Symmes's Theory of Concentric Spheres; Demonstrating that the Earth is Hollow, Habitable Within, and Widely Open About the Poles
Cincinnati: Morgan, Lodge and Fisher, 1826. First Edition. Hardcover. Duodecimo. [i-v], vi-vii, [viii-xiii], 14-163 pages.
The first formal exposition of the Hollow Earth theory of John Cleves Symmes, Jr. by one of his acolytes. Supposes the Earth is composed of concentric habitable spheres which are open at the poles and illuminated by interior suns (thus explaining the Northern Lights phenomenon). The book argues for a polar expedition to verify the claim and contributed momentum which eventually resulted in the first U.S. Exploring Expedition to Antarctica under Lt. Charles Wilkes in 1838-42.
This book presents some interesting binding elements in addition to its fascinating textual content. All edges of the textblock have a decorative pattern that appears to have been done by controlled scorching or singeing. The paper sides were apparently printer's waste that was marbled, as text shows through the marbling in some places.
A quirky but important and uncommon cornerstone of early American speculative cosmology—bridging frontier science, theology, and proto‑science‑fiction imagination. And an early Cincinnati commercial imprint to boot.
Near fine. Bound in marbled paper over boards with leather spine and fore corner tips, marbled endpapers, and decorated textblock edges. Minor extremity rubs, mild browning to interior, prior owner name penned on preliminary blank leaf.
Item #2107
Price: $3,500