Adventures in Mexico and the Rocky Mountains

New York:: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1848. 5" wide by 7.5" tall. A tight copy of the first American printing of this classic -- one of the best travel narratives of the fur trade era. WITHDRAWN stamp, and other typical library markings. Bound in the original red cloth, with blindstamped rules and ornaments on the front and rear covers, and elaborate gilt decorations on the spine. Gilt is still bright and shiny. Spine ends chipped. Moderate edge wear. Light scattered foxing. Describes the adventures of the author, a British army officer. "Contains valuable accounts of pioneer life; the Indians; mines; beaver and buffalo hunting, etc. Describes the author's journey through Texas, New Mexico, along the Red River and the Arkansas; down the Missouri to St. Louis; by steamboat to Peoria, and thence by stagecoach to Chicago." Dobie remarks that this book is "vivid on Comanche raids." Rittenhouse SANTA FE TRAIL 499: "Ruxton had first gone to Mexico, then north to Santa Fe and eastward on the SFT. The latter portion contains some material on Bent's Fort and the Trail. He is recognized as one of the great classic writers on the Mountain Men in the 1840s." HILL COLLECTION p. 264: "Ruxton, A secret agent of the British government... [explored] large parts of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains regions... A very interesting account of Mexico and New Mexico on the eve of the Mexican War." Wagner Camp 139 (1953): "A remarkable journey by a remarkable man, told in a most interesting manner." Wagner Camp Becker (1982): 139:2. Soliday IV 564. Howes R-553. Rader 2856. Dobie p. 35, 77, 148. Sabin 74501. Eberstadt 114: 891. Gunn 1018. Graff/Storm 3620. Flake 7459. . First U.S. Edition.. Hard Cover. Good EX-LIBRARY.. 312pp..