DESCRIPTION DE LA NOUVELLE CALIFORNIE GEOGRAPHIQUE, POLITIQUE ET MORALE. Paris: L. Maison, Éditeur des Guides Richard ... , 1850. 17.5x11 cm (12mo), pp. [1-4] [1] 2-3 [4-5] 6-386, 4 inserted plates with engraved illustrations, 4 inserted maps, one folded, later quarter calf and marbled boards, spine panel ruled and tooled in gold and blind, black leather title piece. First edition, second printing? "The most complete and extensive work published in France at this time" (Cowan). "Excellent compendium of data ..." (Wheat). Ferry based his text on many sources ... He included chapters on New Helvetia, the gold region, and methods of mining" (Kurutz). Cowan (1933), p. 207. Howes F 101. Kurutz, Gold Rush 236a. Sabin 24198. Wheat, Gold Rush 75. Wheat, Maps 155-156. The large folded map, "Carte de la Nouv.le Californie," is marked "deuxieme edition," as is the map described by Wheat 155. Both Cowan and Howes state there were two editions dated 1850, the contents being identical. Light stain to the lower edge of the folded map and tiny tape mend to a short tear to a fold at the gutter margin. There is just a bit of mild foxing to the text, but this is a tight, clean, nearly fine copy. (#179151).
Price: $3,500.00
No statement of printing.