Copper-Tints A Book of Cordova Sketches
Cordova, Alaska: Cordova Daily Times Press, 1923. Eustace P. Ziegler. First Edition. String Bound. 8vo (measures 6.5 x 9.5 inches). Pp. 44. Frontis. illustration. Title page vignette. Illustrated with Ziegler sketches throughout, including tail-pieces. String-bound in patterned paper with a mounted title label printed in two colors. A crease runs vertically along the rear cover, where one cover string perforations is torn through. Ends of ties are frayed. (Please see photos.) Withal, a solid, presentable copy. Very Good-. Item #5325 Eustace Paul Ziegler, 1881-1969, captured the romance and history of the Pacific Northwest Coast, providing a generation with insight into the Fourth Corner and Alaska. Most of those paintings have now moved from private residences to museums. Open-market appearances of this first edition are uncommon. Sustained demand over the years quickly outstripped supply, resulting in a 1966 facsimile reprint by the Shorey Book Store and a 2000 reprint by the Cordoval Historical Society. Rare. SMITH, 1109; WICKERSHAM, 1401a.
Wilson provides charming historical and cultural chapters in Cordova history that are perfectly enhanced by Ziegler's illustrations. For example, the initial chapter exposes Daniel Guggenheim and his effort to exploit Alaska's natural resources by building a railroad to the interior; the role of Michael Heney, contractor-builder of the White Pass and Yukon Railway, is also introduced.
Price: $450.00