The Wonders of Yosemite Valley, and of California ... with original photographic illustrations, by John P. Soule ..

Boston: Alexander Moore, 1871. 8vo. (10 3/8 x 6 3/4 inches). Half-title, text bordered with red rules. 10 mounted original albumen photographs. Original blue publisher's cloth decorated in gilt and blind, recased into blue cloth, portion of original spine retained.

First edition of a noted photographically illustrated early guide to Yosemite.

A significant early guide book to the Yosemite Valley by a professor of Zoology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kneeland traveled across the continent on the newly opened transcontinental railroad and returned east via Panama. "Kneeland took pains to get reliable information and present it with more than ordinary care. The photographic illustrations are excellent and include some unusual views" (Farquhar). The source of the photographs in this work is the subject of some conjecture. Though John Soule is credited with the photographs on the title, he apparently never visited Yosemite. It is believed that he purchased negatives from Yosemite photographer Martin Mason Hazeltine, although some in the past have suggested Eadweard Muybridge as an alternative attribution. "...[O]ne of the better early guide books to the Yosemite Valley..." (Currey & Kruska).

Cowan p.333; Currey & Kruska 225; Farquhar 10a.