Aurifodina; or, Adventures in the Gold Region
New York: Baker and Scribner, 1849. First edition. "One of the earliest lost-race novels written in America," Bleiler. Inscribed and signed "G.W. Peck" by the author in pencil, dated 1852. Original plain paper boards, lacking spine covering, mild browning and dampstaining throughout. Written to capitalize on the California Gold Rush, about which it is considered the first published work of fiction. Its narrator reaches the valley of Aurifodina, where gold is common and of little value, while iron and steel are highly valued by its advanced civilization. Presentation copies are rare, with none having appeared at auction according to Rare Book Hub and ABPC. The Book Club of California published a new edition, illustrated by Bruce Conner, in 1974. Bleiler, Science-fiction, the Early Years, 204; Kurutz, The California Gold Rush, 490. Item #28975
Price: $900.00