L. W. Currey, Inc.

BUCKLEY, JAMES MONROE. Two weeks in the Yosemite and vicinity. By Rev. J. M. Buckley, D. D. [cover title]. New York: Phillips & Hunt. Cincinnati: Walden & Stowe, 1883. 18.3 x 12.2 cm, pp. [1] 2-36, 2 illustrations (on inside front and rear covers), original brown wrappers printed in black, sewn. First printing of the second edition. The front cover is dated 1883; the back cover lists 83 titles in the "Home College Series." The text of this edition is extended; adds "Notes and illustrations," comprising mostly literary quotations on travel and natural beauty. At head of title: "Home College Series. Number Forty-eight." Buckley and his party spent nearly three weeks of the summer of 1871 visiting Yosemite Valley and the Calaveras and Mariposa groves. He was a keen observer and his descriptions of the Coulterville Trail and the pioneer hotels are quite entertaining. In addition to visiting the main points in the valley, Buckley, in the company of a Scot named Maxwell, ascended North Dome and Liberty Cap. On another excursion the two climbed from Little Yosemite Valley to within 600 feet of the summit of Mount Starr King. The same afternoon they hiked to Glacier Point and attempted a night descent to the valley floor via a gully which is now part of the Ledge Trail. Finding descent dangerous, they returned to the point and walked eight miles to Peregoy's Hotel. The next day they hiked back to Glacier Point, climbed Sentinel Dome, and returned to the valley via Sentinel Canyon. A fine copy. An early Yosemite climbing classic, and this first printing of the 1883 edition is almost as scarce as the virtually unprocurable 1873 edition. (#164896).