The Water Supply of San Francisco

San Francisco: The Blair-Murdock Company , 1910. Very good. First edition, n. d. (ca 1910); oblong 6 3/4 x 10 1/4; pp. [62]; illustrated with numerous photographs, drawings, diagrams, and maps, including a large, fold-out one; small chip to upper corner of front wrap; discolored spot to upper margin affecting front wrap and first several leaves; a few creases; in about very good condition.Largely a pictorial history of the system of clean-water supply of San Francisco, the book was undoubtedly published as an advertisement for the Spring Valley Water Company - a private business, which held a monopoly on water rights in the city from 1860 to 1930. Controlled by land barons and led by George Ensign, it would be embroiled in corruption, preferential treatment for the moneyed populace, land speculation, and general dislike and disapproval from the ordinary citizens.