[CALIFORNIA]. FRÉMONT, John C. & Jessie Benton. Memoirs of My Life...Including in the Narrative Five Journeys of Western Exploration, during the Years 1842, 1843-4, 1845-6-7, 1848-9, 1853-4. Together with a Sketch of the Life of Senator Benton, in Connection with Western Expansion. A Retrospect of Fifty Years, Covering the Most Eventful Periods of Modern American History. Chicago & New York: Belford, Clark, 1887. Vol. I (all published): [i-iii] iv-viii, [iiii]-iv, [xv] xvi-xix [1, blank], [1] 2-655 [1, blank] pp., frontispiece, 81 plates (1 chromolithograph), 7 maps. 4to (28 x 21 cm), original three-quarter brown sheep over dark brown cloth, spine gilt lettered and stamped with eagles, beveled edges, marbled edges. Spine, joints, and corners rubbed, hinges weak and open. Text block split, a few leaves loose, large folded map with small fold splits. Because of the weight of the text block, this book is usually found with the hinges deteriorating or worse. The interior is fine. With contemporary ink signature on front flyleaf.

First Edition. Connor & Faulk 458. Cowan I, p. 91; II, pp. 224-225. Eberstadt, Modern Narratives of the Plains & Rockies 171. Flake 3456. Fritz, California Coast Redwood 304. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 212. Howes F367: “Embraces his first three exploring expeditions and the part played by him in the conquest of California.” Larned 2035. Paher, Nevada 638. Rittenhouse 228.

The Pathfinder’s own story of his first three expeditions and his role in the conquest of California, with excellent illustrations by Darley, Hamilton, and other leading artists, along with photographs. The conquest of California is covered in the account of his third expedition, pp. 421-602.