1511

"Mountains of golden and silver ore...."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:187.00 USD Estimated At:375.00 - 525.00 USD
 Mountains of golden and silver ore....
Significant Western Americana: booklet, "The Heart of the Continent - An Historical and Descriptive Treatise for Business Men, Home Seekers and Tourists of the Advantages, Resources and Scenery of the Great West," pub. by Passenger Dept., Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, Chicago, 1882. 4 1/2 x 6 1/2, (64) pp., railroad map at rear. Spectacular cover lithograph of scenic mountains towering over a fertile valley; large, detailed woodcuts within text. Breathless narrative of the Midwest to the Pacific. "...Does he seek for gold and silver? The greatest mines of earth are yet to be opened in the American Great West. Mountains of golden and silver ore, beside which all the famed riches of the Comstock lode will some day sink to beggars' pence, yet rear their proud heads to heaven, untouched by pick or spade. The veritable treasure-houses of the gods yet await the enterprise and muscle of the sturdy miners, who are destined ere long to fire the avarice and envy of the world with their Midas-surpassing wealth of solid ducats. The surface dirt of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Montana and Idaho mines is hardly broken; the glittering hoards are scarcely touched...." Two light purple rubber stamps on cover: "From General Eastern Agent...306 Washington St., Boston...For information, call or write...," and "Leve & Alden, Removed to 296 Washington St. 'Boston]." A superb example, with only one slight internal tear of paper covering a stitch on front outside hinge, believed a bindery blemish, trivial occasional evidences of handling, else a new old stock copy, fresh and nearly as issued. Its condition is all the more exceptional in view of its rarity. Herd 714 ("Rare"). Rader 1181. WorldCat locates only two examples.