Alfred E. Mathews. Gems of Rocky Mountain Scenery, Containing Views Along and Near the Union Pacific Railroad. New York: Published by the Author, 1869. 4to. (12 6/8 x 10 inches). 20 fine lithographic plates of views (some minor marginal soiling). Modern red cloth gilt. "the first true representations of the Rocky Mountains to be made available to the public" (Streeter)
First edition. "The lithographs embodied in this work are from a series of sketches made by the artist while sojourning in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah from the Fall of 1865 to the Winter of 1868. The expeditions were performed entirely alone, and principally with ponies and snow shoes. The pictures represent actual localities; and as they have been drawn on stone from the sketches by the author himself, have lost none of their original truthfulness " (Preface). Matthews first achieved fame for his drawings during the Civil War. He fought on the Union side where he drew battle sketches, illustrations, and engaged in topographical work. For this he was commended by U.S. Grant, in addition to generals Sherman, Thomas, Pope and Rosecrans. After the war he traveled throughout the west, publishing books of pencil sketches depicting Colorado and Montana before publishing this work, which he lithographed himself in New York. Eberstadt 106:207; Graff 2708; Howes M411; Sabin 46823; Streeter Sale 2109.