xvi, 352 pp. Lacking errata slip at p.339, ad pages not retained when rebound. Illustrated with 10 lithographed plates including the frontispiece; folding map with some hand-coloring in outline bound in at rear. (8vo) 21.5x13.5 cm. (8½x5¼"), later half red calf & cloth, spine lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers. First Edition.
The first book printed in English to relate exclusively to California. The Zamorano 80 notes that, in addition, it "is remarkable for the fact that the author did not see California until long after its publication. The book was written from descriptions furnished by his agents in California... The author of the book was a partner of Barron, Forbes & Company of Tepic, Mexico, owners of the New Almaden mine in California. The publication of the book was supervised by the author's brother, John, in London. Forbes' California has always been considered reliable and accurate." The map, which shows California north & south, Mexico, etc. (including of course Texas, Florida, & most of Western U.S.) and has insets of Bodega Bay, San Francisco Harbour, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara & San Gabriel, was specifically made for this book. Cowan p.217; Graff 1377; Howes F242; Zamorano Eighty 38. This copy once owned by historian A.S. Taylor, with his early rubberstamp on title-page, signed in ink by him on the map dated Monterey 1853, along with inscription "From the Forbes Hist. of California 1 vol. London 1839." Faint rubberstamp of the University of California on title-page, with withdrawn stamp of Bancroft Library on first page of dedication.
Condition:
Rubbing to extremities; a few marginal stains, some leaves dog-eared with a few corners chipped, chipping to title-page fore-edge, only 1 tissue guard present, map with tears but minimal loss; very good overall.