David Spilman Fine Books

Rambles of a Botanist Among the Plants and Climates of California; [Introduction by William F. Kimes] [Includes Memorial card for Grant Dahlstrom by The Rounce and Coffin Club and the Zamorano Club for Sunday, October 12, 1980]

Muir, John

Mariposa, CA: Rocking K Press [Grant Dahlstrom, The Castle Press, Printer], 1974. Near Fine. First Edition. SIGNED on title page by Kimes, Limited 150 copies for private distribution, unnumbered, [8.38x5.5in], [10], 11-43 pp., [1], colophon, four images and illustration, including frontispiece, one double page map, chronology [of Muir's life, trips, and publications]; Beige paper wrapper with green ink lettering and poppy illustration on front, all edges trimmed; Negligible shelf wear to covers, edges or corners, ink signature of Kimes on title page, bookplate of W. F. Kimes laid in. [Kimes 441]. Item #14441

John Muir (1838-1914) was a well-known naturalist, preservationist, author, advocate, and founder of the Sierra Club. Muir was also a scientist in observations of a broad range of subjects - geology, glaciology, botany and zoology. His writings were poetic in the beauty of nature and compelling in preserving for the enjoyment of future generations. In the 1890's, the exploitation of the West's resources and use of Federal lands was a concern for conservationists (environmentalist today). Muir's many articles and books had a significant impact on the public and policy makers to expand protection, conservation, and preservation of forests and public lands. His first book, The Mountains of California, along with Muir's second book, Our National Parks, 1901, advanced his efforts to influence Presidents and generate public support have created National park system the United States and other countries have today.

This book is a collection of two published articles in 1872 and 1873. The first one is relating to a 1868 "ramble" from San Francisco to the Sierras and was the second article to be published in 1872. The second is from Muir's first excursion to the Hetch Hetchy Valley in the fall of 1872.

Grant Edward Dahlstrom (1902-1980) was a master printer, book designer and operated Castle Press in Pasadena Ca. He was a founding member of the Rounce and Coffin Club (a fine-press book and printing club from 1931 to 2007) and active in the Zamorano Club (a long standing bibliographic book, manuscript, and fine press collectors club) in Los Angeles. Castle press was a commercial and fine book press that designed and printed many fine press books for the Huntington Library, CalTech, The Book Club of California, and many private fine press authors.

Price: $60.00