A Journey Through Texas; Or A Saddle - Trip On The Southwestern Frontier; With A Statistical Appendix

FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED

Publication: Dix, Edwards & Co, 1857, New York

First edition. 8vo. Original tan cloth with gilt-stamped spine, xxxiv, 516 pp., frontispiece, preface, illustrated, folding map, numerous charts, tables, and appendices, appendix, index. In 1856 - 57 Olmsted took a saddle trip through Texas to see the country and report on its lands and peoples. Based on firsthand observations, and backed with statistical research, Olmsted's narrative captures the manners, foods, entertainments, and conversations of the Texans, as well as their housing, agriculture, business, exotic animals, changeable weather, and the pervasive influence of slavery. His description of the Lone Star State remains one of the best accounts of the American West ever published. "The most civilized of all 19th century book on Texas, this is also the most interesting and the most dependable....a splendid, enlightening book."----John H. Jenkins. Of this outstanding work, Rupert Richardson said, "The best portrayal of ante-bellum life extant." Harriet Beecher Stowe praised Olmsted's account of slavery, "the most thorough expose of the economical view of this subject which has ever appeared." "An intelligent, lively book, packed with keen observation and lightened by a delicate strain of humor."----Larry McMurtry. C.W. Raines wrote, "No better book yet written of travels in Texas." Of particular note: Olmsted gives one of the earliest descriptions of the Texas cattle ranch. Olmstead bookplate on the verso of the frontispiece, spine has been professionally restored with the original spine laid down, else a very good, tight, clean copy housed in a matching cloth slipcase with titles stamped in gilt on a leather spine label. The folding map is present and is in fine condition. Historically important and quite scarce.

Inventory Number: 53050