Job Printing in California, With Four Original Examples of Early California Printing. 1955.; Early California Travels Series, Volume XXVI

Los Angeles: Glen Dawson [printed by William M. Cheney], 1955. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine. One of 200 copies, duodecimo size, 35 pp. Harry "Ward" Ritchie (1905-1996) founded The Ward Ritchie Press, a fixture in the Southern California literary landscape, in 1932. He was responsible for publishing thousands of books, including over 750 which were designed by Ward Ritchie himself.

Ritchie was therefore the natural selection to author this book in the "Early California Travels Series" on printing in California. The volume includes four original examples of early California printing tipped in, including an invoice from Bradshaw & Co. dated August 3rd, 1854; an invoice from James Patrick ("Importer of Butter") dated June 23, 1852; a bank draft drawn on Page, Bacon & Co., Bankers, dated Juine 9, 1854; and a stock certificate for 100 shares in the Chance Silver Mining Company, dated May 7th, 1874.

A fascinating look at "job" printing in early California, by one of the pre-eminent California printers during the "Golden Age" of California fine press printing.

Somewhat uncommon in the marketplace, we see only one copy online as of this writing.

___DESCRIPTION: Bound in full tan cloth over boards, red lettering on the front, small decoration of a printing press in black under the title, tasteful Ex-Libris from the prior owner on the front pastedown, title page in red and black, the four original examples bound in throughout; duodecimo size, pagination: [2] [1-2] 3-31 [2].

___CONDITION: Fine, with clean boards, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and other than the Ex-Libris mentioned above entirely free of prior owner markings; clean, crisp, and as new.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.

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