KELLY, WILLIAM. 'AN EXCURSION TO CALIFORNIA OVER THE PRAIRIE, ROCKY MOUNTAINS, AND GREAT SIERRA NEVADA. WITH A STROLL THROUGH THE DIGGINGS AND RANCHES OF THAT COUNTRY'. LONDON: CHAPMAN AND HALL, 1851

2 volumes, 8vo (7 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.; 190 x 120mm). Minor foxing, minor marginal staining to one or two leaves (vol. II), one closed and one marginal tear with loss (vol. II, pp. 113-116). Contemporary brown calf over marbled boards, spines with raised bands in five compartments, second and fourth with red gilt-lettered labels, edges marbled; overall rubbed, particularly spines with some loss of calf, joints starting.

Cowan II: 325-6; Flake 4569; Graff 2298; Howes K68; Mintz 269; Sabin 37321; Streeter 2670; Wagner-Camp 200:1

2 volumes, 8vo (7 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.; 190 x 120mm). Minor foxing, minor marginal staining to one or two leaves (vol. II), one closed and one marginal tear with loss (vol. II, pp. 113-116). Contemporary brown calf over marbled boards, spines with raised bands in five compartments, second and fourth with red gilt-lettered labels, edges marbled; overall rubbed, particularly spines with some loss of calf, joints starting.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition. An early account by a Englishman who sailed from Liverpool in January of 1849, to New York, and then travelled overland to the California gold fields. Kelly details his journey to California in the first volume, to include accounts of slavery, Native Americans, Salt Lake City, etc. Kurutz notes that the second volume "contains one of the most detailed and enlightening accounts of life in the mines" (370a).