In Pursuit of the Golden Dream: Reminiscences of San Francisco and the Northern and Southern Mines, 1849-1857

Stoughton, MA: Western Hemisphere, Inc, 1970. First Edition. 390pp. Quarto [28.5 cm] Red cloth with the title gilt stamped on the front board. Near fine. Fold-out map present at the rear. "If those who read Howard Gardiner's account of his experiences in California between 1849 and 1857 will thereafter return to this summary survey, they will be impressed with the immense solidity of his narrative, and the large extent of the canvas on which he has worked. I think it is quite clear that nothing in the existing literature compares with his reminiscences." - Dale Morgan.

In addition to reprinting Gardiner's work, Morgan compiled a substantial introduction consisting of a bibliographic essay on the northern mines and correspondence concerning the original publication of the reminiscences. Gardiner rounded the Horn in 1849. The narrative is pleasantly readable with the color of mining life and surroundings painted on the business-like outlines of actual mining. Particularly interesting are the recitations of his activities in the San Francisco supply trade, which fed and clothed those bound for the gold fields. Saunders 62.