About this Item
Pictorial beige cloth with cover art in green of a jungle scene with titles in black; the rear cover is an ad for Pickford & Black s West India Steamship Lines. 12mo; 7.5 inches tall; 120 pages followed by 8 pages of publisher s adverts. Fully illustrated with a sepia-tinted tissue-guarded frontispiece, 32 sepia-tinted photo plates, 4 maps (I large folding) and in-text illustrations. The bindings are tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Moderate shelf handling wear with minor dust-soiling, former ownership shelf marks on the front paste-down. Very uncommon as OCLC/WorldCat includes only one copy (Univ. Marburg). Written for distribution for the British Guiana Exhibition at the 1893 Columbian World s Fair. This informative first guidebook of British Guiana which was also a land promotion for investors. The excellent photo illustrations depict the ethnic diversity of the 19th century British Colony. The photos include native indigenous peoples, as well as those if Indian and African decent, The text includes agricultural opportunities, as well as an extensive section on gold mining, mining practices and investment opportunities in this Caribbean nation. During the late 19th century, British Guiana, located on the northeastern coast of South America, presented a complex socio-economic landscape. The region's prosperity was largely based on its lucrative sugar industry, fueled by an extensive system of plantations reliant on indentured laborers, including Indians and Africans. This ethnically diverse population shaped the cultural fabric of the colony. The presence of gold and other valuable minerals provided significant opportunities for investment and development. Gold mining, in particular, attracted attention, leading to the exploration of new mining practices and technologies. The guidebook prepared for the 1893 Columbian World's Fair aimed to promote these mining opportunities and lure potential investors to the region. Agriculture also played a pivotal role, with opportunities in cultivating not only sugar but also rice and other crops. The fertile lands of British Guiana presented alluring prospects for agricultural expansion and economic growth. Despite the complexities, the guidebook served as a marketing tool to attract investors to the region. Its photo illustrations highlighted the diverse population, showcasing British Guiana as a land of opportunities for agricultural and mining ventures, while attempting to portray a harmonious and vibrant British colony. Background Information: The 1893 Columbian World's Fair held in Chicago to commemorate Christopher Columbus's arrival in America, showcased groundbreaking innovations, including the first Ferris wheel. The fair promoted cultural exchange, fostering international relations and cooperation. It symbolized America's emergence as an industrial powerhouse, sparking interest in technological advancements and urban planning. Furthermore, it highlighted diverse cultures and ideas, shaping a more interconnected world. The fair's influence on art, architecture, and industry resonates even today, leaving a lasting legacy and setting the stage for future world expositions. Seller Inventory # 17131
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Bibliographic Details
Title: [Columbia Exposition] Stark s Guide and ...
Publisher: James H. Stark, Publishers; & Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Boston & London
Publication Date: 1892
Binding: Cloth Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket As Issued
Edition: First Edition, First Printing.
