About this Item
One of 250 deluxe copies, folio size, 399 pp. plus folding map, signed by Dale Morgan, with prospectus and slipcase. Lowell Dale Morgan (1914-1971) was a highly regarded scholar on "Utah history, Mormon history, the American fur trade, and overland trails. His work is known both for its comprehensive research and accuracy and for the fluid imagery of his prose" (n.b., quote from Wiki). This work focuses on the American fur trade centering upon the Ashley Papers and brings to life an important, if now somewhat controversial, period in the development of the American west. "The richness and complexity of Ashley's story is fully brought out in the amazing array of documents Dale Morgan has assembled and edited.To paint a fresh picture of the West in the Ashley era, Mr. Morgan has brought together letters to and from Indian agents, Army officers, members of Congress, rival fur traders, Ashley's own men, excerpts of diaries.newspaper notices; and other comtemporary documents - an ever-changing point of view which enables us to understand the evolution of the American fur trade as never before" (n.b., from the prospectus). ___DESCRIPTION: Half tan leather with light brown cloth over boards, red leather spine label with gilt lettering and rules, prior owner name and date on the front pastedown (see "Provenance" below), the limitation leaf preceeds the frontis, this number 213 of 250 and signed "Dale L. Morgan" below in blue ink, title page in red and black, chapter headings and sectional titles in red, the deluxe version extra illustrated with black-and-white drawings and reproductions of photographs, paintings, and letters, a large folding map bound in at the rear measuring 28" by 20 1/2" when extended; folio size (13 7/8" by 10"), pagination: [2, limitation page with blank recto], [i-x] xi-liv [2] 1-341. Loosely inserted is the prospectus, a single sheet folded to four pages, the front a mirror of the title page, one black-and-white photo on the second page, the remainder with standard information. Housed in the publisher's slipcase of sturdy cardboard covered with the same light brown cloth as on the boards. ___CONDITION: Volume fine overall, with clean boards, the corners gently bumped but without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, the folding map fine, clean and without edgewear or tears, the sole prior owner marking being that of Helen Weber Kennedy (see below); a hint of wear at the head and tail of the spine, else fine. Prospectus is very good, clean and without rips or tears, but with minor edgewear and some shallow unintended creases (in addition to the original mailing fold), the prior owner noted in blue ink at the bottom of the last page "ordered Sept. 10". The slipcase near fine, whole and without splits or tears, with very light wear at the opening and a few light, stray marks. ___PROVENANCE: With the prior owner name of "Helen Weber Kennedy" and the date of "March, 1964" (year of publication) written in blue ink at the bottom of the front pastedown. It is highly likely this Helen Weber Kennedy is the one mentioned on the web site of The Online Archive of California, a descendant of Capt. Charles David Maria Weber (1814-1881), founder of the City of Stockton (1848). The site mentions that Helen Weber Kennedy "devoted much of her time to collection and preservation of the family papers and library." ___POSTAGE: Please note that this is an exceptionally large and heavy item and additional postage may apply; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. Seller Inventory # 23013010
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