The Book Shed

Lightest wear to tips, corners and edges, spot to the front cover else clean and unmarked. No slipcase. This frontier guidebook, The Prairie Traveler: A Handbook for Overland Expeditions, with Maps, Illustrations, and Itineraries of the Principal Routes between the Mississippi and the Pacific (1859), is based on Captain Marcy's own extensive experience of pioneering in the west. This publication became a key handbook for the thousands of Americans wanting to cross the continent. During the Civil War, Marcy became chief of staff to his son-in-law George B. McClellan, and was later appointed Inspector General of the U.S. Army. Marcy's book provided authoritative advice about reconnaisance, fieldcraft, provisions and healthcare, that would save many lives on these perilous routes. It covered key topics like hunting and tracking, and food and water supply, as well as specialist advice about the selection of horses, the avoiding of quicksands, the interpreting of smoke signals and sign language, and numerous other issues. It was a best-selling book for the remainder of the century. Andrew J. Birtle, author of U.S. Army Counterinsurgency and Contingency Operations Doctrine 1860-1941, has described the Prairie Traveler as “perhaps the single most important work on the conduct of frontier expeditions published under the aegis of the War Department.” A beautifully made book letterpress printed on Clear Spring English Finish Natural paper, bound in Clear Spring Golden Envelope Kraft, stamped in gold, spine is gold stamped cowhide. Most items ship with tracking numbers and (generally over $15.00) jacket protectors if applicable. Clean recycled packing material will be used when possible.