Boots and Saddles or Life in Dakota with General Custer
New York: Harper & Brothers, [No Date, Copyright 1885]. [early printing]. Hardcover. A Near Fine or better copy of this early edition of Elizabeth Custer's debut book in a Very Good + example of the RARE DUST JACKET with the title page undated and the copyright date being 1885. The book is in remarkably nice condition and shows only slight wear to the spine ends and to each board's leading corners quite slightly rubbed. The front board decoration is quite bright as does the front board and spine lettering, making it by far the best copy we ever have seen. The volume bears a portrait of General Custer shielded by with a tissue guard opposite the title page, and, following the Table of Contents, an outline map showing Dakota, portions of Montana, Wyoming, and Minnesota, as well as major rivers, forts, cities, and the Northern Pacific Railroad mainline. An Appendix presents "Etracts from Letters written by General Custer to his Wife during the Expedition to the Yellowstone in 1873. The closed page block shows some age and spotting to the top edge and a small bit of soiling to the leading edge. The RARE DUST JACKET shows minor edge and corner wear, a fold to the rear flap's upper edge, a chip to the rear panel's top edge, and some other minor chips and tears. The front free endpaper carries a prior owner's name and the date of "Dec. 25, 1908", so the book was apparently given as a Christmas gift that year. The book's title "Boots and Saddles" is a bugle call sounded for mounted troops to mount and take their place in line. A REMARKABLE COPY OF THIS DEBUT BOOK IN THE RARE DUST JACKET. We anticipate that this copy is likely the earliest copy in dust jacket findable. Near fine / very good +. Item #3637
Price: $3,650.00