My Own Times, Embracing Also, The History of my Life.
(Belleville, Illinois: Printed by B. H. Perryman and H. L. Davidson), 1855. First edition. 8vo, later half calf, marbled boards, gilt lettering, 600, xxiii, [1] pages. Lithograph frontispiece portrait. Some light damp-staining to the portrait and the first several gatherings; some foxing throughout; small chip at the head of the spine, some rubbing to the calf; a very good copy. Item #18632
Perhaps the best firsthand account of the pioneer years of the state from an important early public figure. The imprint information taken from the final page; Byrd notes that Reynolds’s publications were often printed on a press in his own law office by compositors hired as needed. Buck 57; Byrd 2343; Flake, Mormon Bibliography, 7122; Streeter Sale 1510 (“The best description of frontier life in Illinois”); Howes R236, “of 400 cops ptd 300 burned in the first Chicago fire.” Early 20th century Christmas gift label mounted to the front pastedown, presenting the volume to Judge Carpenter—one presumes the Illinois federal judge George Carpenter (1867-1944).
Price: $500.00