[California Gold Rush]. J[ames]. A. & D[onald]. F. Read [illustrators]. Journey to the Gold Diggins by Jeremiah Saddlebags. Cincinnati: U. P. James, [1849]. First edition (simultaneous with a New York printing). Oblong octavo. 63 pages. With pictorial title and 112 illustrations. Publisher's original pictorial wrappers. Wrappers a bit soiled with some minor restoration along the edges and corners; small loss to spine affecting titles; contents with occasional light foxing and toning, else a very good copy. Rare, more so with the original wrapper.

"Of the American comic books on the subject of the gold rush, the best known, although it is scarce, is this." This is the story of an "Argonaut who risked the hard journey to the gold fields, found that it was all a good deal more difficult than he had thought, avoided death by a hair's breadth time and again, and came home poorer than he went. It is the best of the American comic books on this theme." (Cowan).

References: Cowan, page 523. Howes R92. Kurutz 524a; Sabin 68157.