Copies of Calamity Jane’s Diary and Letters — Signed by Jean Hickok McCormick — First Edition, Presumed First Printing
Language: English
Published by Western Trails Museum, Billings, Montana, 1949
- First Edition
- Signed
- Softcover
- Used
Seller: Hidden Shelf Books, Vancouver, WA, U.S.A.Hidden Shelf Books
AbeBooks seller since May 26, 2026
Condition: Used - Good
£ 115.67
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
First edition, presumed first printing, circa 1949. Earliest known Western Trails Museum issue of Copies of Calamity Jane’s Diary and Letters, published in Billings, Montana. Small side-stapled pamphlet in tan pictorial wrappers, measuring approximately 6 × 4 inches, complete with 28 pages. Inscribed and signed in blue ink on the inside front wrapper: “Sincerely, Jean McCormick.” Jean Hickok McCormick publicly claimed to be the daughter of Martha Jane Cannary, better known as Calamity Jane, and James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. She promoted the diary, letters, and related documents reproduced in this pamphlet as evidence supporting that assertion. Her claims were later rejected by historians, and the purported diary and letters are now generally regarded as spurious or fabricated. The pamphlet nevertheless remains an important artifact in the historiography, popular mythology, and commercial presentation of Calamity Jane and the American West. This copy matches the earliest catalogued Western Trails Museum issue: the front wrapper states that the material was “Taken from the originals now on exhibit at the Western Trails Museum, Billings, Montana.” The pamphlet contains exactly 28 pages and carries no edition, printing, copyright, printer, or later publisher statement. It precedes the explicitly identified fifth and sixth editions issued in 1951, which use different exhibition wording and later publishing information. The signature has not been independently authenticated but appears to be a contemporaneous live-ink inscription by Jean McCormick. Condition Description Good condition only, but complete and historically significant. Wrappers and pages show pronounced age toning, moisture staining, tidelines, scattered brown stains, soiling, creasing, and general handling wear. Several interior leaves have localized brown stains near the margins, including stains extending slightly into the printed areas without materially affecting legibility. Corners show creasing and small edge tears. The lower corners of some leaves exhibit wear and possible old reinforcement or adhesive residue. The tan pictorial front wrapper has substantial staining and discoloration. The rear wrapper bears a previous owner’s mailing label and handwritten notation. The inside front wrapper contains the blue-ink Jean McCormick inscription. Side-stapled binding remains intact, and all 28 pages are present. No later edition statement or colophon appears at the rear. A worn but complete association copy whose historical interest substantially exceeds that of an ordinary unsigned example. Seller’s Note Offered for collectible, historical, bibliographic, and research purposes only. Hidden Shelf Books does not endorse or verify the claims, legal theories, political views, or instructions contained in this publication. Not legal, tax, financial, or professional advice.…
Seller Inventory # HSB-1045
Bibliographic details
- Title
- Copies of Calamity Jane’s Diary and Letters — Signed by Jean Hickok McCormick — First Edition, Presumed First Printing
- Author
- Calamity Jane [attributed]; McCormick, Jean Hickok
- Publisher
- Western Trails Museum, Billings, Montana
- Publication year
- 1949
- Condition
- Good
- Dust jacket
- No Jacket
- Signed
- Signed by Author(s)
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Printing
- 1st Printing
- Dimensions
- 4 inches width by 6 inches height by 0 inches depth
Hidden Shelf Books
Vancouver, WA, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since May 26, 2026
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 3 to 7 business days | 1 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 0.00 | £ 26.20 |
Payment methods
Store description
Welcome to Hidden Shelf Books, an independent bookseller specializing in uncommon, out-of-print, controversial, obscure, and historically significant printed material from the fringes of publishing history. Our inventory focuses on books, pamphlets, ephemera, and alternative press materials that reflect unusual movements, countercultural thought, regional histories, independent publishing efforts, and difficult-to-find works that are often overlooked by traditional booksellers. Many items are acquired from private estates, long-held personal collections, and archival accumulations. We approach books first and foremost as historical artifacts. The materials offered through Hidden Shelf Books are presented for research, collecting, preservation, and historical interest. The presence of a work in our catalog does not imply endorsement of the ideas, legal theories, political viewpoints, or claims contained within the material itself. Particular attention is given to accurate condition reporting, edition identification, provenance when available, and careful packaging. We strive to provide detailed and transparent descriptions so collectors, researchers, and institutions can purchase with confidence. Areas of interest may include: Alternative and independent press Fringe political and legal movements Sovereign citizen and tax protest literature Counterculture publications Underground and restricted publications Regional and self-published works Esoteric and unconventional subjects Historical ephemera and archival material All books are carefully packed and shipped with protection appropriate to age and condition. Thank you for visiting Hidden Shelf Books.…
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Alternative and independent press, Fringe political and legal movements, Sovereign citizen and tax protest literature, Counterculture publications, Underground publications, Regional and self-published works, Esoteric and unconventional subjects, Historical ephemera and archival materialSeller's business information
Hidden Shelf Books
WA, U.S.A.
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