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The first directory and history of the region, and the first mining camp directory recorded, and the first mountain directory to be printed in California; of great rarity and significance. Presentation copy, with ink inscription in brown ink on front flyleaf, "`Species of the Age' Office, with the Publishers complimeents." Cowan declares that the book contains "the best, almost contemporary account of the three towns and the county, written by A.A. Sargent" (who later became a United States senator from California, and was both a printer by trade and district attorney for Nevada County. Norris calls it "Excessively rare and historically valuable." Plate opines that "Much valuable material is presented here that is nowhere else recorded." Quebedeaux describes the book at some length, and notes the importance and vibrance of Nevada City, "California's most important Gold Rush City... The Year 1856 was especially important for Nevada City. In that year, the road between Grass Valley and Nevada City - only a few miles apart - was one of the most heavily traveled in the United States. In 1856, Nevada City was the fifth largest settlement in the state and polled more votes than any other city except San Francisco and Sacramento..." Kurutz adds to his commentary on the book a quote from Sargent's historical sketch, "Grass Valley is noted for being selected as the residence of the notorious Lola Montez... Here she displayed her eccentricities to the amusement of some, and disgust of most of the inhabitents." Cowan p.161; Graff 432; Greenwood 718; Howes B861; Kurutz 90; Plath 807; Quebedeaux 33; Rocq 5959; Streeter Sale 2808.