It's an Old California Custom by Lee Shippey (Signed Second Printing), 1948 🐻📜☀️

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare, dual-signed second printing of It's an Old California Custom, a charming and nostalgic collection of essays by journalist and author Lee Shippey. Published in 1948, this volume is a cornerstone work of California history and regional Americana, celebrating the unique traditions and eccentric personalities of the state's past.

This edition is a tangible connection to a celebrated California journalist. Its documented rarity and exceptional content make this a premier acquisition for any serious library. The book is an extraordinary find, representing a critical period of California's literary and social history.

 

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2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

It's an Old California Custom is a collection of anecdotal, often humorous, essays that weave together a vivid portrait of California's personality. Shippey explores a wide range of topics, from the state's Gold Rush heritage to its customs of hospitality and storytelling.

The book is an essential primary source for any scholar or dedicated reader of California history. Its conversational style provides an authentic glimpse into an era when the state was rapidly evolving. The book's content is a review of the state's unique story, with chapters on:

• "To Ride Forth Seeking Romance"

• "To Gamble on Anything"

• "To Seek Short Cuts to Heaven"

• "To Throw Dignity Out the Window"

• "To Dress Dramatically"

 

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

Lee Shippey (1884-1969) was an American author and journalist celebrated for his insightful and often humorous observations of California life. A native of Tennessee, he became a Californian and was a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Times for 22 years.

Shippey’s work is known for its wit and wisdom, and his books are a reflection of his dedication to documenting the unique personality of California. This book is a product of his extraordinary life and his passion for the state, which he said he fell in love with at first sight.

 

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1948, this book is an artifact of the post-World War II era in the United States. It was a period of immense social change and a growing interest in diverse American narratives. The book’s publication reflects a widespread desire for stories that celebrated the complexities of the American experience.

The book also coincided with the centennial of the California Gold Rush, and it served as a nostalgic look at the state's history. It captures the spirit of an era when individual expression and personal narratives were highly valued, and provides an honest look at the lives of a community that was often overlooked by mainstream culture.

 

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is intended for a curator of American history, a scholar of Western Americana, or a private collector of memoirs. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's dual significance as a foundational historical document and a personal artifact of its time.

The dual signatures and the personal inscription from the author make this a perfect fit for a collection that cherishes the intimate story behind an artifact. The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of:

• Culture, history, and the art of bookmaking.

• The enduring legacy of California's unique personality.

• The work of a celebrated journalist and author.

 

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a rare dual-signed second printing from 1948, this book represents a genuinely scarce non-replicable asset class. The scarcity of a well-preserved copy in this condition is a key factor in its value. The book’s provenance is significantly enhanced by a personal inscription from the author, Lee Shippey, and a second signature from Maurine Shippey.

The book's worth is enhanced by:

• Verifiable Provenance: The book has a personal inscription from the author, Lee Shippey, and a second signature from Maurine Shippey, which adds to its authenticity.

• Historical Context: This book is a primary source for understanding the history of California, and it is a valuable educational tool for those interested in local history.

• Physical Condition: The book's well-preserved state, including its dust jacket, further justifies its premium price.

 

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is a well-preserved piece showing authentic wear consistent with its age from the late 1940s. The original publisher's cloth is in a solid state, with a tight and sound binding. The pages have some expected discoloration and foxing throughout, a natural process for paper, which gives it authenticity.

• Binding: The book is a hardcover with a blue cloth binding. It has a tight and sound binding and a clean interior. The endpapers are a textured tan color.

• Dust Jacket: The dust jacket is heavily damaged, with large tears, rubbing, and creasing. The original price of $3.00 is visible on the front flap.

• Interior: The pages are clean and free from any major tears or stains. The inscription is clearly visible on the front endpaper.

 

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The inscription is a personal message from the author, Lee Shippey, to the recipient, dated January 31, 1952.

• The book contains a second inscription in French from Maurine Shippey, which adds a unique and intimate history.

• Lee Shippey was a war correspondent in France during World War I and wrote a popular column in the Los Angeles Times for 22 years.

• The book was published to coincide with the centennial of the California Gold Rush.

• The illustrations inside the book were sourced from various archives, including the Bettmann Archive.

 

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: It's an Old California Custom

• Author/Maker: Lee Shippey

• Year: 1948

• Publisher/Foundry: The Vanguard Press, Inc.

• Place of Origin: New York, NY, USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover with Dust Jacket

• Edition: Signed Second Printing

• Rarity: Very Rare

• Transcription:

  N'oublie pas de venir nous voir - ta Marine est contente - R. 1.1.0 Bon souvenir Maurine Shippey To Ray and Floßoe Martel, from a lover of France who is damned glad he lives in California and that the martels do, too. Lee Shippey 1/31/52