"ONE OF THE CLASSICS OF WESTERN AMERICANA," WITH FOLDING MAP OF TEXAS, 1844, IN ORIGINAL CLOTH

KENDALL, George Wilkins. Narrative of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition, Comprising a Description of a Tour through Texas, and Across the Great Southwest Prairies. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1844. Two volumes. Octavo, original blind- and gilt-stamped brown cloth. $5500.

First edition, first issue, of "the best account of the Santa Fe Expedition [and] one of the best campaign narratives ever written," with folding map of Texas and five plates, in original cloth.

"Kendall's experiences represent practically every element of adventure and peril that could have befallen men on the southwestern frontier. Through his skillful organization and superb narrative and descriptive ability, he produced one of the classics of western Americana… Kendall founded the New Orleans Picayune in 1837 and became one of the leading trumpeters for Texas. In 1841, learning of Texas plans to conquer Santa Fe, he set out for Texas and joined the expedition. Traveling through a new and hostile environment, and improperly equipped, the expedition nearly starved, surviving on hippophagy. The members straggled almost to Santa Fe and were gulled into surrendering without a fight. The captives were taken to Mexico and imprisoned for nearly two years, some longer" (Jenkins, 116). First issue, with Harper and Brothers imprint and "1844" gilt-stamped at foot of spines. Howes K75. Sabin 37360. Wagner-Camp 110:1. Graff 2304. Streeter, Texas, 1515. Field 818. Inked owner inscriptions, two on front pastedowns (dated Nov. 13, 1900) and two in inner margins; penciled owner inscription dated 1849.

Text unusually clean and free of foxing, original cloth showing only slight wear, gilt bright. A near-fine copy, scarce in such lovely condition.