Commerce of the Prairies: Or the Journal of a Santa Fe Trader, During Eight Expeditions Across the Great Western Prairies, and a Residence of Nearly Nine Years in Northern Mexico
New York: Henry G. Langley, 1844. Commerce of the Prairies: Or the Journal of a Santa Fe Trader, During Eight Expeditions Across the Great Western Prairies, and a Residence of Nearly Nine Years in Northern Mexico, Josiah Gregg, Henry G. Langley, New York, 1944. 2 Volumes. 5 x 7 5/8 inches. 320, 318pp.
Original publisher's dark green boards with blind and gilt-stamping on front and spine. Cloth is lightly rubbed and worn at edges with very light fraying. Several worn spots and small tears within cloth. Gilt remains fairly strong. Several signatures pulling but binding remains strong. Leaves are consistently toned at edges, but text remains quite clean. Ex-library James J. Hill Library, St. Paul, Minnesota with bookplates and perforated stamp on title page with remnant of library markings on spine. The landmark and fragile map has one archival repair at edge with slight loss of content. Minor separation at folds and inch tear at stub. In mylar wrappers. Good Condition.
First edition with six plates and two maps including the large folding map as called for. One of the most important books on the Southwest and "primary contemporary authority on the Santa Fe trade-route and traffic." (Howes)
Wheat calls the map entitled "Indian Territory, Northern Texas and New Mexico" a "cartographic landmark...from all viewpoints Gregg's map was an outstanding achievement." Eberstadt calls "Commerce on the Prairies" one of the best contributions to Southwestern literature that has ever appeared."
Gregg first traveled west in 1831 and soon found work as a bookkeeper for Jesse Sutton whom he befriended on the western journey. Gregg would go on to cross the prairie four times and even brought the first printing press to New Mexico in 1834. By working commerce, Gregg learned the customs and condition of affairs in the southwest, while learning the manners and lifestyles of Native Americans residents.
James J. Hill and family played a pivotal role in expanding trade throughout the northwestern United States through the development of the Great Northern Railroad.
Howes G401, Wagner-Camp 108:1, Sabin 28712. Good / Mylar. Item #1057
Price: $1,500.00