431, [2], ci + 43 ad pp. With 22 lithographed plates & 6 lithographed maps & plans, 2 of them folding; inserted advertisement for Britton & Rey, who lithographed the plates and maps; plus large lithographed folding map. (12mo) 18.7x12 cm (7¼x4¾"), original blue cloth lettered in gilt with gilt cover vignette. First Edition.
Important overview of Arizona at a time its newly-discovered mineral wealth was making it a destination for fortune-seekers and of interest to investors. The large "Map of Arizona Prepared Specially for R.J. Hinton's Handbook of Arizona, compiled from Official Maps of Military Division of the Pacific..." 88x62.5 cm (34½x24½), with modern linen backing, sectioned for folding, is affixed in separate custom-made folder. Besides topographic features, it shows roads and trails, numerous proposed railroads, towns, cities, military encampments, Indian reservations, etc. At left is an inset showing the Southern Pacific lines in California, terminating at Yuma. On the rear flyleaf is the pencil signature of A.E. Davis, identified as president of the South Shore Pacific Coast R.R.
Provenance: California Book Auction, 2/90
Reference: Howes H-513 (but incorrect on number of plates and maps).
Condition:
Spine a bit darkened, rubbing to ends; else very good, a rather fragile book rarely found better, very uncommon with the large map; both map and book in single modern slipcase.