Catalog Archive
Auction 121, Lot 876

"[Lot of 2] View of San Francisco, California. Engraved Expressly for the Souvenir. [and] San Francisco in 1848. San Francisco in 1849.",

Subject: Miscellaneous Books / Views of San Francisco

Period: 1847-50

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
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1) View of San Francisco, California. Engraved Expressly for the Souvenir features a very early engraved view of San Francisco (6.6 x 3.8") as the frontispiece for William Arthur's The Antiquarian. The engraving shows a view from the harbor with sailing and fishing ships and the nascent town in the background. A fort at right still flies the flag of Mexico. The view is bound in the complete book, whose title continues, "comprising whatever is useful and instructive in ecclesiastical or historical antiquities, serving as a book of useful reference, on subjects of research and curiosity. Vol. III." There are three additional engravings interspersed throughout the text. Hardbound in brown cloth with embossed cover and gilt titling on spine. This volume has an inscription and signature by the Rev. William Arthur. 280 pages. 6 x 9" 8vo. Published in 1847 by the Lansingburgh Gazette. Hardbound in original brown embossed cloth covers with title in gilt on spine.

2)The poetical Geography, Designed to Accompany Outline Maps or School Atlases. To Which are Added the Rules of Arithmetic in Rhyme is illustrated with numerous engravings including two views of San Francisco in 1848 and 1849 on a single sheet. 72 pages. 6.5 x 9" 8vo. Authored by George Van Waters, Louisville, et al, 1850. Hardbound in original decorative printed brown paper covered boards with black leather spine. This interesting accompaniment to early geography describes the geographical features of the world in both standard English and poetic prose. An example:

Islands
"Islands, upon all sides, the waves surround;
In rivers, lakes, and seas, and oceans found."
"An island is a portion of land, surrounded by water; as Long Island,... etc."

References:

Condition: B+

1) Contents are quite clean with a small damp stain in top centerfold area. Front cover has been bent back to create a crease. Spine is starting to split on front hinge. Binding is starting to loosen. 2) Contents show some toning and scattered foxing. Hinges starting. Covers are soiled and shelf worn, spine is worn at extremities with a small amount of loss.

Estimate: $110 - $180

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/26/2007

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