Description
In dramatic hard-sell prose, the advertisement promises the “most remarkable book of the age,” and issues a “caution” to “beware of Rehashed Lives of GRANT” and other “unscrupulous” publishers claiming to offer books of a similar caliber. It further proclaims this to be the “most intensely and absorbing book of travel EVER PUBLISHED.” Entries were said to be “full and graphic descriptions of [General Grant’s] arrival and triumphal entry into San Fransisco … welcomed by 200,000 eager residents and 500 singers.”
To put this broadside in context, Americans of the 19th century most likely would never travel abroad. Thus, the book was aimed at discussing exotic places and peoples around the world and to capitalize on the popularity of Grant as a Civil War and presidential hero. The subtitle of the book details the Grants’ tour itinerary with destinations including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, Egypt, India, China, and Japan. The poster incorporates seven of the many “richly and beautifully illustrated” scenes from Grant’s world adventures that were also in the book. These include views of the River Nile, his ship as it departed to India, and Arabian stallions presented to him by the Sultan of Turkey. The illustrations also show adventures on a wild boar hunt and unusual religious rituals and temples in Japan and India.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning, wear, handling. A few scattered minor discoloration areas. Folds as issued, with some greater wear at old folds and intersections.
References:
“World Tour of Ulysses S. Grant.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_tour_of_Ulysses_S._Grant (14 May 2024)
