Golden Dreams and Waking Realities; Being the Adventures of a Gold Seeker in California and the Pacific Islands.

Shaw, William.

Published by Smith, Elder And Co, 65, Cornhill., LONDON, 1851

About this Item

8vo., xii, 316 pp.[light spotting]. near contemporary half burgundy morocco, raised bands, gilt extra, over marbled boards, marbled foredges. First Edition. Shaw recounts the appalling conditions in the California gold country and a following stay in Honolulu and its growing importance since. William Shaw was in South Australia when he heard of the California gold rush, and he sailed across the Pacific from Adelaide in 1849. Golden dreams and waking realities describes that voyage, his visit to San Diego and his landing in San Francisco. Then follows an account of the long trip to the gold fields and details of life as a prospector in the international community of the camps. Leaving the mines for Stockton, Shaw is befriended by Mission Indians. Leaving Stockton for San Francisco, Shaw takes a series of odd jobs in the city before moving on the Mission of Dolores until the New Year, when he finds passage back to Australia, all the while recording the social life and business activities he saw. Next he records the changes observable in Hawaii on his return voyage, a visit to Samoa, and his reception on his landing at Sydney. the discovery of gold. Forbes 1835; Sabin 79971; Howe 351. Seller Inventory # 1658

Bibliographic Details

Title: Golden Dreams and Waking Realities; Being ...

Publisher: Smith, Elder And Co, 65, Cornhill., LONDON

Publication Date: 1851

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: First Edition