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

Gregg, Josiah

Published by Henry G. Langley, New York, 1844

Two volumes. 320; 318pp., plus two maps (one folding) and six plates. Original cloth, stamped in blind and gilt. Cloth lightly worn, front joint on second volume cracked with cloth splitting. Previous owner's name (W.B. Childers) stamped in ink on front and rear endpapers. Plates a bit darkened and foxed, otherwise internally very clean and fresh. A very nice set overall. First edition, first issue, with a New York imprint only. One of the landmark books of Western Americana. Gregg's book is acclaimed by all sources as the principal contemporary authority on the Santa Fe Trail and trade, the Indians of the south plains, and New Mexico in the Mexican period. J. Frank Dobie calls it "one of the classics of bedrock Americana." It gives a lively, intimate, and personal account of experiences on the prairies and in northern Mexico. The ".Map of the Indian Territory Northern Texas and New Mexico showing the Great Western Prairies." is by far the best map of the region up to that time. Wheat states: "Gregg's map was a cartographic landmark.'one of the most useful maps of this region at that day.'" "A cornerstone of all studies on the Santa Fe Trail in the early period, describing the origin and development of the trade, Gregg's own experiences, and useful statistics for 1822- 43" - Rittenhouse. WAGNER-CAMP 108:1. RITTENHOUSE 255. GRAFF 1659. STREETER TEXAS 1502. FLAKE 3716. HOWES G401. WHEAT TRANSMISSISSIPPI 482; Vol. II, pp.186-88. DOBIE, p.76. STREETER SALE 378. SABIN 28712. RAINES, p.99. RADER 1684. REESE, BEST OF THE WEST 83. Seller Inventory # WRCAM46870

Bibliographic Details

Title: COMMERCE OF THE PRAIRIES: OR THE JOURNAL OF ...
Publisher: Henry G. Langley, New York
Publication Date: 1844