This is a first edition of Cry Above the Winds, a classic novel of Old California by J. B. Bartlett. Published in 1951, this book is a captivating work of historical fiction that brings to life the vibrant and complex early history of California.
As a well-preserved first edition with a dust jacket, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of Americana, Western history, or first editions.
2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨
Cry Above the Winds is a novel set in the picturesque Monterey Peninsula of California during the 19th century. The narrative follows a compelling story of a young man who finds himself at the intersection of love, honor, and betrayal.
The book is known for its evocative descriptions of the land and its people, masterfully capturing the spirit of a transitional era in California's history. This first edition, with its original dust jacket, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the American Western genre.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🏛️✍️✨
J. B. Bartlett was an American author who specialized in historical novels of the American West. His writing was known for its meticulous research and its ability to bring a sense of authenticity and historical accuracy to his fictional narratives.
While not a household name, Bartlett's work is considered a key text in the genre of historical fiction and is a favorite of collectors of regional Americana. His ability to tell a compelling story while staying true to the historical record makes this book a significant literary work.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in the early 1950s, this book is a "time capsule" of a post-war America looking to its own past for inspiration and meaning. The narrative itself takes place in the 19th century, during a time when California was transitioning from its Mexican and Spanish heritage to its American future.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a curator of American Western literature, a scholar of California history, or a private collector of first editions. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's physical integrity as a well-preserved artifact.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
As a first edition with an original dust jacket, this book is a rare and desirable asset. The scarcity of a well-preserved first printing in this condition is a key factor in its value. A first edition from an author who wrote on a niche subject is a non-replicable piece of literary history.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages.
The original dust jacket is present and shows significant shelf wear. The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.
8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤
This book does not contain a signature, personal inscription, or other unique markings. The value is derived from its well-preserved state as a first edition with its original dust jacket.
9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
The book's setting in the Monterey Peninsula is an homage to one of the most famous literary hotspots in California, which was home to authors like John Steinbeck.
The dust jacket's artwork, with its dramatic depiction of a man on horseback, is a classic example of mid-century Western book design.
The book’s publication by The Pacific Books company, a regional publisher, indicates its importance as a work of local and regional history.
10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
Title:Cry Above the Winds: A Novel of Old California
