The Early Days And Men Of California

W. F. SWASEY

Publication: Pacific Press Publishing Company, 1891, Oakland

First edition. Thick 8vo. Warmly inscribed by the author on the front endsheet: "This volume is presented to Mrs. May Harting with sentiments of the purest personal esteem and regards, by the Author W. F. Swasey." Deluxe binding of full brown morocco with gilt titles on the front cover and spine, marbled front and rear endpapers, gilt dentelles, all edges gilt, x, 9 - 406 pp., introduction, autobiography of the author, illustrated, frontispiece, plates, portrait. Captain William F. Swasey arrived in California in 1845 and was in the employ of both John Sutter at Sutter's Fort and American Consul Thomas Larkin at Monterey. He had a first-hand perspective of all the important early California events and pioneers. He was also a member of Fremont's Battalion on his march south into Los Angeles. Several nice biographical sketches of prominent early pioneers. Eberstadt says "His book is one of the few authentic records of the period before the gold rush, and particularly so with regard to the Bear Flag Revolution." A classic. Former owner's small name label affixed to top corner of front pastedown sheet, internally clean and tight, some light cosmetic touch-up to some rubbed areas of the covers, for an overall very good copy.