L. W. Currey, Inc.

CORLIEU, CHARLES CLIFFORD. Sierra sanctum written reveries of a cliff man by Clifford Corlieu [cover title]. [Fresno, California: Crown Printing & Engraving Co., 1926.]. 19.8x27.5 cm (oblong octavo), pp. [1-2: blank] [3-4] 5-139 [140-144: blank], 23 inserted plates with illustrations from photographs, original pictorial brown Fabrikoid, front panel stamped in gold, gray endpapers. First edition. A self-published collection of poetry by Madera County pioneer Charles Clifford Corlieu (1861-1929). "In the early 1870s, Corlieu moved to California from Missouri and began ranching in the Auberry Valley near Shaver Lake. This multitalented man maintained a lifelong affection for the outdoors. While logging, he developed a stopover for travelers, complete with restaurant, store, post office and corral, which became Corlieu Meadows. In later years, Corlieu made a trip to Sugar Pine to visit one of his grown daughters and fell in love with the area. Corlieu was especially taken with the mineral warm springs along Lewis Creek. He filed mineral claims on the adjacent land and built a cabin on the hill overlooking the falls, dubbing himself the 'Cliff Man.' The spring water was piped into a large pothole, creating a natural hot tub. His family and their friends visited often. In his last years of peaceful retirement, Corlieu published a book of verse speaking of his love for God, his fellow man and the glories of nature. The surroundings which inspired him can be enjoyed today along the Lewis Creek Trail. In the 1930s, a resort was built near the trail at Corlieu Falls. The resort and guest cabins were removed in the early 1940s" (Sierra National Forest website). Cloth worn at edges, text block shaken, several leaves a bit frayed at edges, several others with small stains, a good copy. Provenance: "Presented to My Friend -- / Bob Thompson / By Cliff Corlieu / Sugar Pine, Cal. / Aug. 18th 1928" on the front paste-down. OCLC reports 5 library holdings (including the Fresno Public Library system which has 4 copies). (#166551).