274 + [14] ad pp. Wood-engraved frontispiece; a few cuts in the text. 7¾x4¾, original blindstamped orange cloth, gilt cover vignette, spine dec. & lettered in gilt. First Edition.

Although best known for for his humorous writings under the pseudonyms of John Phoenix and Squibob, Derby served with distinction as a topographical engineer with the U.S. Army, creating an important map of the California gold regions and performing the first reconnaissance of the Colorado River. Cowan p.167.