City and County of San Diego, Illustrated and Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Pioneers by Van Dyke, T. S - 1888

San Diego: Leberthon & Taylor. Poor. 1888. First Edition. Softcover. [worn and externally stained, small tear in spine covering at base of spine, long diagonal crease at bottom corner of front cover, heavy wear and a bit of paper loss at corners of first few pages; one-time owner's name and address in ink on inside of both covers plus another one-time owner's name in pencil at top of inside front cover; some pencil lines in margins and ink check-marks next to numerous names in the list of biographies]. (B&W illustrations, engraved portraits) A history of San Diego and environs, followed by biographical sketches (and engraved portraits) of about fifty individuals. The book is about evenly divided between the history and the biographies. (Due to condition, this should be considered a reading/reference copy only.) .

Octavo (9 X 6 inches) San Diego, California: Liberton & Taylor, 1888. First Edition. 218 pages, illustrated with photographs and engravings, presentation inscription from W. L. Prouty who, according to the Directory of San Diego City and County for 1893-94, was the Superintendent of Streets. Good condition, original limp cloth showing wear and light stains from handling.The date and title are written discreetly on the spine.

Van Dyke was a prominent journalist who wrote several books that reflect the history of the San Diego region. In this book he states, "I have been asked to sketch the history, topography, resources and progress of the city and county of San Diego, up to date." He includes agriculture, climate, outdoor amusements, and biographies in his descriptions.