Reprint of the first edition published in Berkeley by the University of California Press in 1948. Besterman 5354. "25 titles of major importance, either in their value as source material or in their rarity." Each title is treated in its own chapter; with variants and later editions and other publications listed, the total number of books covered comes to about 150. For ex., chapter 5, "Vischer's Mammoth Tree Grove and Pictorial" discusses three related illustrated works of 1862 and 1870 by the lithographer and photographer Edward Vischer (1809-1878). Each book or pamphlet is described, with an annotation discussing publication and contents; the text following provides some biographical information, a brief discussion of Vischer's visits to the Calveras Grove and the production of his plates, and lists several other Vischer publications. Published by arrangement with the University of California Press.