A rather obscure work, overlooked in much period research of the area, chronicling the hardships of pioneer and missionary life in early 19th century South America as well as containing first-hand accounts of nearly every facet of life in remote areas of the Andes.
The author and her family sailed from England to Rio de Janeiro via Madeira and thence to the Andes. Includes a good account of gaucho life in the Pampas and much of interest on the Indians of South America, including accounts of cannibalism, tribal wars, religious customs and ceremonies, etc., plus roving bandits and robbers, etc.
This work not recorded in either Palau or Sabin. Last recorded auction record, nearly 40 years ago when it fetched $275.00.
Bowman, Anna. Adventures, Wanderings and Sufferings of the Merton Family; Or, Life Scenes among the South American Indians. Philadelphia. Published by Duane Rulison. 1861. 384pp + [8 Woodcuts]
Fair only. Cloth heavily rubbed and worn, spine cloth a bit awkwardly relaid and rear hinge crushed. Text is generally very solid and clean with faint tide mark across bottom quarter of the sheet. Rear hinge through paper to mull and stiff from spine relay. That said, a serviceable example of a rare text.
