Wah-To-Yah, And The Taos Trail; Or Prairie Travel And Scalp Dances, With A Look At Los Rancheros From Muleback And The Rocky Mountain Campfire.

LEWIS H. GARRARD

Publication: Cincinnati: HW Derby & Co, 1850,

First edition, first state. Original black blindstamped cloth with title in gilt on the spine, vi, [2], 349 pp., introductory, Graff 1513 says, " An important Southwest book by a perceptive observer and a thoroughly captivating writer. Edward Eberstadt often recommended this work as the first book that collectors should read about the Southwest." Jack Rittenhouse in The Santa Fe Trail 236 says, "...was only seventeen when he went to the West. He describes his trip over the Santa Fe Trail in the fall of 1846 with Ceran St. Vrain's train, via Bent's Fort. After a winter in Taos, he returned over the SFT in 1847. Garrard captured the sound of the trapper's language with a skill equal to Ruxton's, and this work remains one of the great classics not only on the Trail but of the entire Southwest." During his travels Garrard met Jim Beckwourth, Kit Carson, Edward Beale, and George Ruxton. Additionally he accompanied the celebrated Indian trader Ceran St. Vrain, and was present in Taos, New Mexico for the trial of the Mexican prisoners. A fascinating account of life in the Southwest and an important overland narrative. A few pages lightly foxed, else a near fine, tight copy. Housed in quarter leather and cloth slipcase with titles stamped in gold on a leather spine label.

Inventory Number: 52504