The California Illustrated World - Six Numbers
San Francisco: World Publishing Co., 1891 - 1895. First printings. Wrappers. Quarto. Six numbers: Vol. IV No. 19, Vol. IV No. 26, Vol. VI No. 1, Vol. VI No. 11, Vol. VIII No. 4, and Vol. XII No. 9. Pp. 16 to 20 each. Off-white paper, Vol. IV printed in blue ink, later volumes in black. Numerous illustrations throughout. Small closed tears to spines, Vol. VI No. 1 cover detached, Vol. VIII No. 4 covers taped. Some chipping and small closed tears to edges, some staining to covers. Good. Item #7068 The magazine also contained a mine of information on San Francisco theater, politics, music, and vaudeville. Many articles cover police scandals, sporting events, local politics and society. Quite scarce, with high demand owing to the salacious, unvarnished record of San Francisco's Gay 'Nineties. OCLC records sporadic holdings of issues at five institutions. Now housed in a clear archival sleeve with an acid-free backing.
The notorious San Francisco magazine published in the 1890s for the delectation of the sporting and theatrical element. The chief substance of the periodical was the libelous gossip spread throughout its pages, recording in a scandalous and occasionally vitriolic manner the doings of men-about-town, brothel keepers, married men, sporting figures, prostitutes and saloon keepers. It has been said that this page was responsible for half of the era's divorces and public scandals.
Price: $1,250.00