From the Journal of Garrett W. Low Gold Rush by Sea
Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1941. Near Fine in Very Good dust-jacket First Edition. Edward Shenton, Illustrator. 8vo [8.25x5.75in]; vi. 187 pp.; Blue-green cloth covers with gilt lettering and lines on spine, all edges trimmed, dark green end papers with white illustration of ship, bird and island; Cream dust jacket with gold and green lettering, illustration on front of ship passengers looking out to another ship, advertisements on back; minimal shelf wear with fading to edges and age toned text block edges, prior owner bookplate on half-title page; Dust jacket edges age toned and spine slightly darken, small chips and closed tear to top of spine, 2in closed tear along front lower joint [repaired on rear with archival tape]. [Kurutz 408]. Item #13316
Garrett Low was from Eire, Pennsylvania, and began his diary on November 11, 1850 while traveling with his brother to New York on the Steamboat Belle. In New York, they boarded a packet ship, Washington Irving, for Valparaiso, Chile, arriving on April 6, 1851. In Valparaiso, they boarded a fast clipper ship, the John Bertram, and arrived in San Francisco on June 4, 1851. From Kurutz, "The book ranks as one of the most riveting published accounts of the trip by sea. It was dominated by a drunk and despotic captain who withheld water from passengers until one of the more handsome women passengers agreed to share his cabin. In addition to this episode, the passenger and crew endured a frightful voyage around Cape Horn, and earthquake in Valparaiso, and a mutiny." A very good read. The editor, Kenneth Haney, was the grandson of Low.
Price: $50.00