California: A History Of Upper And Lower California From Their First Discovery To The Present Time, Comprising An Account Of The Climate, Soil, Natural Productions, Agriculture, Commerce, Etc. A Full View Of The Missionary Establishments And Condition Of The Free And Domesticated Indians. With An Appendix Relating To Steam Navigation In The Pacific

FORBES, ESQ, ALEXANDER

Publication: Smith, Elder and Co Cornhill, 1839, London

Issued in 1839 shortly after the original edition of 1839, this issue is illustrated with a new map, plans of the harbors, and numerous engravings. 8vo. Cloth covers stamped in blind, titles stamped in gilt on the spine, xvi, 352 pp., preface, illustrated with ten plates, map. 'The Coasts of Gutilama and Mexico, from Panama to Cape Mendocino; with the Principal Harbours in California' present at the rear. British merchant Alexander Forbes wrote the first book published in English relating exclusively to California. His narrative, as observed by Hubert Howe Bancroft, was not so much history as "a presentation by an intelligent man of business of the country's actual condition, capabilities, institutions, and prospects." Cowan says "The first English book to relate exclusively to California. The changes of time and subsequent history have not disturbed the value of this work, for it is still considered as one of the most important upon the subject." His book, more than any other, made California known to the English-speaking world and spurred on both European and American interest in controlling this remote Mexican outpost. Former owner's bookplate on front pastedown sheet, old small pieces of cellophane tape residue on front free fly leaf, spine replaced with original spine laid-down, signatures resewn, and light cosmetic touch-up to the covers, else a very good, clean, tight copy of an important book on California.

Inventory Number: 51761