Lot 241: ROBINSON, ALFRED. 1806-1895. Life in California: During a Residence of Several Years in That Territory, Comprising a Description of the Country and the Missionary Establishments, with Incidents, Observations, etc, etc ... To which is Annexed a

Life in California: During a Residence of Several Years in That Territory, Comprising a Description of the Country and the Missionary Establishments, with Incidents, Observations, etc, etc ... To which is Annexed a Historical Account of the Origins, Customs, and Traditions, of the Indians of Alta-California. Translated from the Original Spanish Manuscript. New York: Wiley & Putnam, 1846.
2 parts in 1 volume. xii, [2], 341 pp. 9 lithographed plates. 12mo. Original brown cloth stamped in blind and gilt. Light foxing throughout, hinges partially cracked, rebacked preserving original spine, corners repaired.

FIRST EDITION. Robinson came to California in 1829 and married into the prominent De Guerra family. This is the first book on California in English written by a resident. Includes Robinson's translation of Geronimo Boscana's Chinigchinich. Cowan pp 536-7; Field 155; Graff 3525; Howes R363; Sabin 74028; Streeter sale 2512; Zamorano 80 65.
Acquisition: purchased from George MacManus, 2001, $400.