The History of Texas; or, The Emigrant's, Farmer's, and Politician's Guide to the Character, Climate, Soil, and Productions of that Country

Cincinnati: J. A. James and Co. Printed by Doolittle and Munson, 1836. 12mo. (7 x 4 1/2 inches). First edition. [i]-xii 13-336. 336 pp. Folding engraved frontispiece "Map of Texas containing the Latest Grants and Discoveries" by Lee hand-colored in outline with leaf of advertisement at rear. An appendix prints the proposed "Constitution of the Mexican United States" Publisher's brown cloth, rebacked retaining most of the original spine and paper lettering-piece

Important early Texas history published the year the Republic of Texas became a sovereign nation, with the rarely seen hand-colored map of the state.

"Conditions just prior to the Revolution described by an actual observer." [Howes] Edward moved to Texas in 1830 and recorded detailed observations and descriptions of Texas in this classic early history of the state. The fine map by Lee is adapted from a later issue of Stephen Austin's seminal map of Texas and must have been completed shortly before publication because it notes the death of Benjamin Rush Milam (1788-1835) at the Siege of Bexar. "One of the few choice early histories of Texas, though the author was rather Mexican in his politics. Among the rare public documents inserted, are the proposed constitution of Texas drawn up in the convention of 1832-33, and the Mexican constitution of 1824. Specifically valuable for full treatment of the times just before the Revolution." [Raines] "This contemporary history by Edward, notwithstanding some idiosyncrasies of the author, is one of the essential Texas books. It gives a good account of the physical features and towns and products of the Texas of 1835. Page 177 to the end are devoted to the political events from 1832 to about October of 1835." [Streeter] "The map shows towns, rivers, colonies, grants, Indian villages, mountains, roads, silver mines in Mexico and on the San Saba River, iron ore, copper mine, note on Col. B. R. Milam's death, comments on wild life and topography, salt works on Galveston Bay, site of General Toledo's defeat in 1813. There is also a printed note by D. B. Edwards on the Rio del Norte, its navigability and its possibilities as a southwestern boundary for Texas." [Day] "As a preceptor of Gonzales Seminary and resident of Texas, Edward was well equipped to record his observations accurately." [Graff]

Basic Texas Books 53. Clark, Old South III:35. Day, Maps of Texas 388. Graff 1208. Howes e48 "aa." Jenkins BTB, 53. Rader 1279. Raines, p. 74. Reese, Best of the West 65. Sabin 21886. Sibley, Travelers in Texas, pp. 178-179. Streeter Sale 334. Streeter, Texas 1198.