1) History of Los Angeles County by Albert J. Wilson. This is the facsimile reprint of the rare first, and only, edition from 1880. The contents describe the townships, government, residents, climate, geography, schools, agriculture and manufacturing found in the county. The book includes a facsimile of Thomson and West's Map of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona from 1880, and dozens of charming illustrations of ranches, buildings, churches and schools printed from original sketches by "artists of the highest ability." A two-page introduction by W.W. Robinson correctly predicts that "inevitably this reprint … will itself become a collector's item." Originally published by Thompson & West, Oakland, CA, this edition was published by Howell-North, Berkeley, CA, 1959. 192 pp. Hardbound in black cloth with decorative embossed title on front and spine, with the original dust jacket. Withdrawn from the San Jose City College Library. Contents are near fine but for the finger soil and library stamps on the foredges, and some cello tape and the remnants of a pasted down label on the front endpaper. Covers as new, paper dust jacket well worn with numerous tears and some with loss. (14 x 11")

2) Early California Southern Edition by R.N. Preston, Western guide Publishers, Corvallis, OR, 1974. Scarce first edition of this charming guide. The book includes facsimiles of several mid-19th century maps of the area. It is extensively illustrated with dozens of black and white photographs showing scenes of early architecture, portraits, and methods of transportation, including a snapshot of the first air passenger at Dominguez Air Field riding in a belt-driven biplane. Softbound with pictorial covers. Contents are good save for a bit of moisture exposure in the lower left corner which has led to some slight wrinkling of the paper. The covers have some minor staining and scuffing. (11 x 17")

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Condition: B+

See description.