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The Gold Regions of California : Being a Succinct Description of the Geography, History, Topography, and General Features of California: Including a Carefully Prepared Account of the Gold Regions of That Fortunate Country. Prepared From Official Documents and Other Authentic Sources.
New York: Dewitt & Davenport, Tribune Buildings, 1849. 8vo, original printed wrappers. 80 pp., [8] pp. of ads, folding map. Third and best edition. "One of the first published accounts of the gold discovery in book form "--Streeter. The first and second editions were published in 1848, and included only a small woodcut map. Included here is a larger folding map entitled “Map of the United States Mexico &c Showing the Various Land and Water Routes From the Atlantic Cities to California.” The map was compiled by J. H. Colton specifically for this guide-book. The gold region is highlighted in yellow. “This is the first considerable pamphlet on the Gold Regions and but two others (Sherwood and Simpson) are contemporary with it. The author was the first to suggest going to California in companies or associations, and he predicts that 'one year will see ten or fifteen thousand heady and adventurous Americans in the heart of California, ready to dig gold.'"—Eberstadt. Although described as the second edition at the top of the front wrapper, this is the third edition and is so identified on the title page. The third edition is far less common than the first and second editions. The only copy recorded on Rare Book Hub was offered in 1979, lacking the wrappers. REFERENCES: Streeter IV, 2529; Sabin 25225; Graff 1387; Howes F-287. CONDITION: A good, untrimmed copy, stain along spine slightly affecting printed area of covers, small stains on back cover, contents very clean, all in all a quite appealing copy.
Item #2082
Price: $5,500.00