MÜLLER, J.
Das Goldland Californien, oder: Bleib' im Lande und arbeite fleissig.... Leitmeritz: C.W. Medau, 1850.
16mo (143 x 111 mm). 84 pp. With 6 engraved scenes on 3 plates. Original yellow printed paper-covered boards. Custom quarter morocco clamshell box. Slight toning to text, slight wear to boards, corners just showing, upper joint started; still about fine, unrestored.
FIRST EDITION, IN ORIGINAL BOARDS. "After a brief overview of America, Müller began California Land of Gold or Stay at Home and Work Hard with a business-like look at California history, the gold discovery, mining life, equipment, weather conditions, and routes to California. The second portion is the pitiful story of Friedrich Berwick, a master joiner from Germany, and his unfortunate experiences as a gold seeker..." (Kurutz). The illustrations as well as the text make a strong case for staying at home, including a family encountering a coffin-maker, besieged in bed by rats, stumbling through a jungle, and watching a house burn. Howes M876; Kurutz 456a. Not in Graff or Wagner-Camp.