Scenery of the Plains, Mountains and Mines: or a Diary Kept upon the Overland Route to California, by way of the Great Salt Lake ... in the Years 1850, '51, '52 and '53

Ogdensburgh [N.Y.]: Published by J.C. Sprague, 1855. First edition, likely a presentation copy to the publisher inscribed on the front blank "To my good friend/Sprague/From the Author/Nov. 1855.. 324 pp. 8 x 4 inches (20 x 11 cm). Original brown blindstamped cloth. Minor wear at extremities and corners. Light spotting throughout, discreet stamp of Joyce and Gene Gresslen to blank, small losses to spine tips. Overall, an exceptionally nice copy. First edition, likely a presentation copy to the publisher inscribed on the front blank "To my good friend/Sprague/From the Author/Nov. 1855." 324 pp. 8 x 4 inches (20 x 11 cm). INSCRIBED FROM AUTHOR TO PUBLISHER. An important overland narrative and a significant early account of Gold Rush life. "This account is acclaimed by many sources as one of the best written of all overland narratives" (Mintz).

Langworthy describes his trip to California via the Platte to Salt Lake, the Humboldt and Carson Valley to Ringgold, and in the second half of the book narrates his views on California life and events in the mines, and his return home via Nicaragua. "Langworthy spent two years traveling throughout California and the mining regions and presented his readers with a compact, but vividly written description of the mines, mining methods, and mining society. His accounts of thievery and gambling halls painted a sordid picture of the land of gold ... These observations are balanced with positive statements about California's flora, fauna, and agricultural wealth" (Kurutz). Blumann & Thomas 5033; Cowan, p.383; Mintz 284; Streeter Sale 3179; Hill 971; Graff 2392; Howes L84; Jones 1336; Rader 2201; Flake 4742; Sabin 38904. Wagner-Camp 258; Kurutz 392a