First edition of Wetherell's extensive description of life in Bahia during the Second Empire (1840-1889) under Dom Pedro II. James Wetherell (1822?-1858) was a British businessman who lived in Bahia for 15 years beginning in 1843, serving as British vice consul (1843-1857). In short notes, he wrote about many aspects of Brazilian life, people and customs as religion (churches, convents, religious functions, ceremonies), means of transport (boats, canoes, carts), politics and economy, slavery, food and cooking, etiquette, fishing. He also describes largely natural historical aspects such as flora, horticulture, fruits, fossils and shells, insects and different mammals and birds. Besides this, Wetherell discusses Brazilian music and includes a lithographed sheet of music of a contemporary popular song. His many notes dating from 1852 to 1857 are considered to be very accurate and give a vivid and very good exemplary description of life in Bahia during the Second Reign, covering many different topics. The book is rarely offered for sale, the last two copies being at auction at 2019 and 1985.
With the bookplate of the Mentmore Library on the front paste-down. Binding slightly worn around the edges, frontispiece and first few leaves foxed, a few spots throughout, but overall in good condition. Borba de Moraes, p. 940; Borba de Moraes & Berrien 317.