Le Magasin Pittoresque was a French publication that ran from 1833-1938. The magazine covered a wide variety of topics including history, science, travel, and current events and was filled with illustrations to engage the reader. Of particular interest in this 1849 edition is an article on the California Gold Rush which includes a full page map entitled Carte de la Californie. - D'Apres M. de Mofras (p. 292). Wheat notes that on this map the Sierra Nevadas are erroneously mapped to the east of Pyramid and Walker lakes, and only a few places names are located in central California. Gold and silver mines are marked by small blotches, but the cartography of the map "harks back to an earlier day." A second, short article with illustration also related to California appears on pp. 321-322. 412 pages. Hardbound in quarter leather and tips over maroon pebbled boards with gilt title on spine.

References: Wheat (TMW) #627; Wheat (Gold) #105.

Condition: B+

Text and illustrations have uniform light toning. Covers and spine have some shelf wear, and the edges are bumped.