[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. [NATIVE AMERICANS]. BONNER, T. D. Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth... New York: Harper & Brothers, 1856. 8vo. Illustrated with frontispiece and 12 plates. 537, [2, ads] pp. Publisher's full red cloth, boards and spine stamped in blind, spine lettered in gilt. FIRST EDITION OF THIS BIOGRAPHY OF AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN PIONEER, SCOUT, AND CROW CHIEF.  “One of the gaudiest books in our literature and may well be the goriest.... An indispensable witness to the events it deals with.” (Dobie, p. 71). “Beckwourth was the champion of all Western liars.” (Field 149). “Mulatto of Va., who became in the great West a famous hunter, guide, Indian-fighter, chief of the Crows, and horse-thief. No resume can do justice to his adventures, nor can the slightest faith be put in his statements” (Bancroft, Pioneer Register).  

Spine restored, binding worn, soiled, with several tears, front hinge starting, rear endleaves and final few leaves soiled at upper corners, text toned, occasionally soiled, foxed, pencil signature on ffep, skewed. Fair.