PBA Galleries

458, 146 pp. 23x14.5 cm. (9x5½"), original law calf, rebacked in leather with original spine strip laid on, ruled in gilt with morocco labels. First Edition.

Seminal reports on land cases containing the decisions of Judge Ogden Hoffman on appeals from the Board of Land Commissioners, and upon other proceedings in 110 cases covering the legality of the most important Spanish and Mexican land grants. It was these decisions which provided the framework of land ownership in post Gold Rush California, as the formerly Mexican land was grabbed by the aggressive Americans. The Zamorano Eighty notes that "Much early history and information concerning the ranchos is included in them. An important appendix lists 813 land claims filed with the Land Commission, both in northern and southern districts of California, based on the early grants. It is said to be the only printed list of these claims." A sought-after work of increasing scarcity - Streeter calls it "...a very rare book, as well as quite an important one" and notes that it was with the purchase of this very volume that he was able to complete his collection of the Zamorano Eighty. Cowan p.287; Graff 1919; Greenwood 1654; Howes H569; Rocq 16117; Streeter 2874; Zamorano Eighty 44. Ink ownership signature of "Jno. R. Jones, Book Bot March 19 - 1887" to front free endpaper, beneath which is another signature partially erased causing a small hole in the paper. Oval book labels of Thomas W. Streeter and John C. Broome.