22

Seyd, Ernest. California and Its Resources. A Work for the Merchant, the Capitalist and the Emigrant

Seyd, Ernest. California and Its Resources. A Work for the Merchant, the Capitalist and the Emigrant. London: Trubner and CO., 60, Paternoster Row. 1858. Collation: Front., [iv]pp., 1-168pp, [I]advertisement. 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. Binding: Original black cover over blind-stamped boards; gilt-stamped title on front cover and spine. Front cover is embellished with a reproduction of a 50 dollar gold slug. Binding is loose; some text leaves are loose. Plates: 22 illustrations on 18 plates including 1 folding; 8 hand tinted lithographs. Maps: Between pp.80-81; fold. California. No date. 14 1/2 x 11 3/4 in. [inset] Map of Western U.S. 5 x 5 1/4 in. Minor tears and staining. Following p. 168; fold. Untitled map of the world showing overland and sea routes to California. 12 x 18 in. Minor tears. References: Cowan I, p. 210; Cowan II, p. 57; Currey & Kruska 296; Howes S-310; Norris 3573; Rocq 17136; Wheat, Books, 181; Wheat, Maps, 312. Currey and Kruska, the experts on the books and literature of Yosemite and the Sierra wrote: "One of the best early surveys of the natural resources of California, compiled to 'prove that there is not a country on the face of the globe more highly endowed with all the elements of prosperity, richer in precious metals, richer in agricultural and other prospects than California.'" Seyd, of course, emphasized its mineral wealth stating, for example, "The chief product of California is gold, a fact well known all over the world." The hand colored lithographic plates produced by Lewis and Bohm of London are exceptional depicting gold mining, steamships, and natural wonders. As Currey and Kruska point out, the two Yosemite views, "The Yo-Hamite Falls" and "The Yo-Hamite Valley" were derived from sketches by Thomas A. Ayers in 1855 and "they appear to be the first views of Yosemite Valley published in a book." Wheat in his monumental The Maps of the California Gold Region described the map "California" as "a rather crude affair" marred by many misspellings such as "Alamed, Marposa and Fremont's rude" 1844. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $25.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Witherell's strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell's. All lots are sold "AS IS" under terms and conditions. Please be advised we do not provide porters nor packing materials for pick ups.

Provenance:[email protected]

Condition:


Estimate: $1,000 - $2,500
Unsold/Reserve Not Met

 

Have a Similar Item?

Consign With Us
 

Witherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.