Journey Through A Part Of The United States Of North America In The Years 1844-1846

ALBERT C KOCH

Publication: Southern Illinois University Press, 1972, Carbondale and Edwardsville

First Edition. Boards with a Cloth spine. xxxv.-177pp. Numerous illustrations. Map. In 1844, Albert Koch began his paleontological exploration in America. His travels took him from Martha's Vineyard to New Orleans and Alabama in search of the gigantic sea serpent, or Zeuglodon. "Albert Koch was one of the more ingenious showmen of the nineteenth century. He was also a keen observer of geologic phenomena and a competent natural historian, although he was not professionally trained. His museum drew large crowds only when strange and spectacular creatures were displayed, keeping the peripatetic Koch busy searching for new specimens. Among his specimens was a 114-long "sea serpent" ... a crazy-quilt monster assembled by Koch himself from the bones of multiple fossil whales. Fraud, showman, scientist ... this is the story of Albert Koch and his fabulous creatures." Fine in price-clipped dust jacket.

Inventory Number: 50005