California: A History of Upper and Lower California..

London: Smith, Elder and Co, 1839. First Edition. 8vo. 352 pp. Errata slip at page 339. Large folding map of California "The Coasts of Guatimala and Mexico, from Panama to Cape Mendocino; with the Principal Harbor's in California. 1839" outlined in original hand-color. Frontispiece portrait of Father Peyri and 9 lithographic plates after William Smyth. Publisher's original green cloth with gilt lettering on spine; in custom slipcase. Occasional foxing; light wear; hinges professionally reinforced; else a near fine copy. A History of Upper and Lower California from the Discovery to the Present Time, Comprising an Account of the Climate, Soil, Natural Productions, Agriculture, Commerce &c. A Full View of the Missionary Establishments and Condition of the Free and Domesticated Indians,. With an Appendix relating to steam-navigation in the Pacific. The first book in English to relate exclusively to California. The book was written from descriptions furnished by Forbe's agents in California, for he did not see California until long after the publication of the work. Forbes was partner of Barron, Forbes & Company of Tepic, Mexico, owners of the New Almaden mine in California. The inset maps are of the harbors of Bodega, San Francisco, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Pedro. The plates include views of Monterey Bay, San Francisco Harbour, San Carlos Mission, Carmel Bay, and cultural scenes. (Graff 1377; Howes F-242; Zamorano 80 #38).