An Excursion to California Over the Prairie, Rocky Mountains, and Great Sierra Nevada

New York: Arno Press, 1973 (1851). Reprint. Octavo in brigth green cloth; x, 342, viii, 334 pages 21 cm. Ex-libris with minimal markings (appears to not have circulated); else very tight and clean. "Withdrawn" stamp. . Hardcover. ISBN: 9780405049842, 0405049846

"A two-volume travelogue originally published in 1851, this well-regarded work documents Kelly's journey from England to California during the Gold Rush era. Kelly, an Englishman, embarked on this extensive trip in 1849, traveling through various American landscapes and recording his experiences in great detail. The first volume covers his journey from England to California, detailing his route through New York City, Buffalo, Detroit, Ottawa, Illinois, and St. Louis. He joined an overland wagon train in Independence, Missouri, capturing vivid descriptions of the scenery, wildlife, and encounters with Native American tribes along the way. This volume provides an in-depth look at the operations of a wagon train and concludes with his arrival in California and initial impressions of gold mining. The second volume, titled "A Stroll Through the Diggings of California," published separately the following year, focuses on Kelly's experiences in the gold fields. It describes the life and work in mining camps along the Sacramento River and various creeks, as well as visits to Sacramento, San Jose, and San Francisco. Throughout his narrative, Kelly offers observations on the daily life of miners, the diverse ethnic groups he encountered, and the overall social dynamics of the gold rush society. Kelly's work is praised for its detailed and engaging account of the American West during a transformative period in U.S. history, making it a valuable resource for understanding the era's travel and exploration dynamics."