Geronimo The Apache Chief

M. E. FLY

Publication: Mrs M E Fly, Circa 1906, Tombstone, Arizona

First Edition. Original Stiff Printed Wrappers, with string-tie binding. No pagination. Six pages of Text, followed by 26 full-page Plates. The plates are described as such: Scenes in Geronimo's Camp The Apache Outlaw and Murderer. Taken before the Surrender to Gen. Cook(sp), March 27, 1886, in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. Escaped March 30, 1886. The next four pages are text entitled: The Story of Geronimo. This is in-turn followed by a section comprised of 25 famous images of photographs taken by Camillus Sidney Fly, typically referred to as C. S. Fly. The series of images taken by Fly in March of 1886 projected the Tombstone photographer into national prominence. Fly and an assistant named Chase accompanied Brigadier General George Crook and his command as they tracked Geronimo's band into Mexico. In Canon de los Embudos, just below the international boundary, Crook and Geronimo met to arrange the Apaches' surrender. Fly photographed the Indians in their camp and at the meeting. He did not hesitate to ask the warriors to shift positions or turn their heads to improve the composition of the pictures. The photos were the first ever taken of "hostile" Apaches in a natural setting. Fly died in 1901 and in 1905 or 1906, Mrs. M. E. Fly published this collection of her husband's famous photographs in a book she called Geronimo, The Apache Chief. This copy is the first we've ever seen of this famous Apache Wars rarity. Original wrappers are worn with vertical creases in front wrapper and a 1" piece of clear tape has been applied to repair a closed tear on front panel. Rear panel shows less wear with small loss of upper fore-corner and 2 chips at edge of spine. Spine ends chipped, but all held tight by original maroon, cord ties. This work was issued with tissues for each illustration. Our copy has complete tissues on 8 images, partial tissues on 5 images, and no tissues on 13 images. One image has a small chip to fore-edge, not affecting the image, otherwise all of the important plates are clean and clear, as issued. Good-Very Good. Protected in a custom clamshell box with title and author on spine and front panel.

Inventory Number: 53017