Zamorano Eighty

The Zamorano Eighty is a list of books intended to represent the most significant early volumes published on the history of California. It was compiled in 1945 by members of the Zamorano Club, a Los Angeles-based group of bibliophiles. Collecting first editions of every volume on the list has become the goal of a number of book collectors, though to date only four people have completed the task.[1]

Picture, possibly by Charles Nahl, of "Joaquín Murieta, The California Bandit", from the rarest book of the Zamorano 80, The Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta, 1854

The Zamorano Club was founded in 1928 and named for Agustín Vicente Zamorano, the first printer in California.[2][3][4] A series of committees of Club members, including former American Smelting and Refining Company executive Henry Raup Wagner and bibliographer Robert Cowan, assembled a list of a hundred books, eventually whittled down to eighty. During this process, Cowan died, and his Bibliography of the History of California and the Pacific West was added to the list as a tribute.[5]

The list contains significant works by a number of well-known authors like Mark Twain, John Muir, Bret Harte, and Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as obscure texts concerning geographical exploration and legal matters. Some of the works exist in very few, highly sought after copies, while others were quite common and not particularly valuable, until interest in the list caused their prices to rise.[6] Book dealers often refer to items for sale using their "Zamorano number" or have special sections dedicated to items on the list.

Thomas Streeter was the first collector to assemble a complete collection of first editions of every item on the list. His collection was auctioned between 1966 and 1969.[5] Businessman Frederick William Beinecke was the second. Retired investment counselor Henry H. Clifford completed his collection in 1988 and his collection was auctioned in 1995. The fourth was architect Daniel Volkmann, who completed his collection in 1994, and it was auctioned in 2003.[1][5][4] Many other collectors have pursued this goal, including notorious bibliomane and book thief Stephen Blumberg.[3]

Only one institution, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University, possesses a complete collection of the Zamorano 80, donated by Frederick W. Beinecke. Both the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley and the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, possess all but one of the volumes.[7]

The rarest book on the list is number 64, the dime novel The Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta by John Rollin Ridge writing as "Yellow Bird". Only two first-edition copies are known to exist, each used twice to complete the list.[8] It may be on the list only because Wagner owned a copy, which he sold to Streeter. When Streeter's collection was being periodically auctioned, the auction of this copy was moved up over a year so the elderly Beinecke would be able to complete his Zamorano collection. This copy is now in the Beinecke Library with the rest of Beinecke's Zamorano books.[8][9] Clifford purchased the second copy from a collector in Maine, which in turn was purchased by Volkmann at the auction of Clifford's collection.[6][4] The book has been described with terms like "Holy Grail"[1] and "rara avis"[8] and is highly desired by collectors. Blumberg wanted it so much he and his accomplices planned and researched a potential burglary of Clifford's house when that collector owned the book.[3]

The Zamorano Eighty

The works on the list are numbered in alphabetical order by author (or title, in the case of numbers 14, 35, and 62) and were not intended to be any sort of ranking of literary or financial value.

#AuthorTitleYearCover or title page
1Gertrude AthertonThe Splendid Idle Forties: Stories of Old California1902book cover
2Mary AustinThe Land of Little Rain1903book cover
3Hubert Howe BancroftWorks, 39 volumes188290book cover
4Frederick William BeecheyNarrative of a Voyage to the Pacific and Beering's Strait, to Co-Operate with the Polar Expeditions: Performed in His Majesty's Ship Blossom, under the Command of Captain F. W. Beechey, 2 volumes1831book cover
5Horace BellReminiscences of a Ranger: Early Times in Southern California1881book cover
6Anthony J. BledsoeIndian Wars of the Northwest: A California Sketch1885book cover
7Herbert Eugene BoltonAnza's California Expeditions, 5 volumes1930
8John David BorthwickThree Years in California1857book cover
9William Henry BrewerUp and Down California in 18601864: The Journal of William H. Brewer1930
10John Henry BrownReminiscences and Incidents of The Early Days of San Francisco1886book cover
11John Ross BrowneReport of the Debates in the Convention of California, on the Formation of the State Constitution, in September and October, 18491850book cover
12Edwin BryantWhat I Saw in California: Being the Journal of a Tour, by the Emigrant Route and South Pass of the Rocky Mountains, across the Continent of North America, the Great Desert Basin, and through California, in the Years 1846, 18471849book cover
13Peter Hardeman BurnettRecollections and Opinions of an Old Pioneer1880book cover
14various authorsCalifornia and New Mexico: Message from the President of the United States, Transmitting Information in Answer to a Resolution of the House of the 31st of December, 1849, on the Subject of California and New Mexico1850book cover
15Carlos Antonio CarrilloExposicion Dirigida a la Camara de Diputados Del Congreso de la Union1831book cover
16James H. CarsonEarly Recollections of the Mines and a Description of the Great Tulare Valley1852book cover
17Samuel ClemensThe Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, and Other Sketches1867book cover
18Samuel ClemensRoughing It1872book cover
19James ClymanJames Clyman, American Frontiersman, 17921881: The adventures of a trapper and covered wagon emigrant as told in his own reminiscences and diaries1928
20Walter ColtonThree Years in California1850title page
21Ina Donna CoolbrithSongs from the Golden Gate1895book cover
22Miguel CostansóDiario Histórico de los Viages de Mar, y Tierra Hechos al Norte de la California1770title page
23Robert Ernest CowanBibliography of the history of California and the Pacific West, 151019061914title page
24Ella Sterling CumminsThe story of the files; a review of California writers and literature1893title page
25Harrison Clifford DaleThe Ashley-Smith explorations and the discovery of a central route to the Pacific, 182218291918title page
26Richard Henry DanaTwo Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea1840book cover
27William Heath DavisSixty Years in California1889title page
28Winfield J. DavisHistory of Political Conventions in California, 184918921893
29Alonzo DelanoOld Block's sketch-book; or, Tales of California life1856book cover
30Eugène Duflot de MofrasExploration du territoire de l’Orégon, des Californies et de la mer Vermeille, exécutée pendant les années 1840, 1841 et 18421844
31Auguste Bernard Duhaut-Cilly Voyage autour du Monde, principalement à la Californie et aux Iles Sandwich, pendant les années 1826, 1827, 1828, et 1829183435
32John W. DwinelleThe colonial history of the city of San Francisco : being a synthetic argument in the District Court of the United States for the northern district of California, for four square leagues of land claimed by that city1863
33William Hemsley EmoryNotes of a Military Reconnaissance, from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California including part of the Arkansas, Del Norte, and Gila Rivers.1848
34Zephyrin EngelhardtThe Missions and Missionaries of California, 5 volumes190816
35Gaspar de Portolà (attributed)Estracto de noticias del puerto de Monterrey, de la missión, y presidio que se han establecido en el con la denominación de San Carlos, y del sucesso de las dos expediciones de mar, y tierra que a este fin se despacharon en el año proximo anterior de 17691770title page
36Thomas J. FarnhamTravels in the Californias, and Scenes in the Pacific Ocean1844title page
37José FigueroaManifiesto á la República Mejicana que hace el General de Brigada José Figueroa, Comandante General y Gefe Político de la Alta California, sobre su conducta y de los Señores D. José María de Híjar y D. José María Padrés, como Directores de Colonización en 1834 y 18351835
38Alexander ForbesCalifornia: A History of Upper and Lower California from Their First Discovery to the Present Time, Comprising an Account of the Climate, Soil, Natural Productions, Agriculture, Commerce &c. A Full View of the Missionary Establishments and Condition of the Free and Domesticated Indians. With an Appendix Relating to Steam Navigation in the Pacific. Illustrated with a New Map, Plans of the Harbours, and Numerous Engravings1839
39John Charles FrémontReport of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the Year 1842, and to Oregon and North California in the Years 1843'441845
40Bret HarteThe Luck of Roaring Camp, and Other Sketches1870
41Lansford W. Hastings The Emigrants' Guide, to Oregon and California, Containing Scenes and Incidents of a Party of Oregon Emigrants; a Description of Oregon; Scenes and Incidents of a Party of California Emigrants; and a Description of California; with a Description of the Different Routes to Those Countries; and All Necessary Information Relative to the Equipment, Supplies, and the Method of Traveling1845book cover
42Theodore Henry HittellThe Adventures of James Capen Adams, Mountaineer and Grizzly Bear Hunter, of California1860book cover
43Theodore Henry HittellHistory of California, 4 volumes188597
44Ogden Hoffman Reports of Land Cases Determined in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. June Term, 1853, to June Term, 1858, Inclusive1862
45Simeon Ide A Biographical Sketch of the Life of William B. Ide: With a Minute and Interesting Account of One of the Largest Emigrating Companies (3000 Miles Over Land), from the East to the Pacific Coast. And What Is Claimed As the Most Authentic and Reliable Account of “The Virtual Conquest of California, in June, 1846, by the Bear Flag Party,” As Given by Its Leader, the Late Hon. William Brown Ide1880
46Helen Hunt JacksonRamona1884book cover
47Clarence KingMountaineering in the Sierra Nevada1872
48Otto von Kotzebue Entdeckungs-Reise in die Süd-See und nach der Berings-Strasse zur Erforschung einer nordöstlichen Durchfahrt. Unternommen in den Jahren 1815, 1816, 1817 und 18181821title page
49Jean-François de Galaup, comte de LapérouseVoyage de La Pérouse Autour du Monde, Publié Conformément au Décret du 22 Avril 1791, et Rédigé par M. L. A. Milet-Mureau, Général de Brigade dans le Corps du Génie, Directeur des Fortifications, Ex-Constituent, Membre de Plusieurs Sociétés Littéraires de Paris, 4 volumes1797
50Zenas LeonardNarrative of the Adventures of Zenas Leonard, a Native of Clearfield County, Pa. Who Spent Five Years in Trapping for Furs, Trading with the Indians &c. &c., of the Rocky Mountains: Written by Himself1839
51William Lewis Manly Death Valley in '49. Important Chapter of California Pioneer History. The Autobiography of a Pioneer, Detailing His Life from a Humble Home in the Green Mountains to the Gold Mines of California; and Particularly Reciting the Sufferings of the Band of Men, Women, and Children Who Gave "Death Valley" Its Name1894book cover
52Frank Marryat Mountains and Molehills; or, Recollections of a Burnt Journal1855book cover
53Charles Fayette McGlashanHistory of the Donner Party: A Tragedy of the Sierras1879
54Edward McGowanNarrative of Edward McGowan, Including a Full Account of the Author’s Adventures and Perils while Persecuted by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 18561857book cover
55Joaquin MillerLife amongst the Modocs: Unwritten History1873book cover
56John MuirThe Mountains of California1894
57Harris Newmark Sixty Years in Southern California 18531913. Containing the Reminiscences of Harris Newmark1916
58Frank NorrisMcTeague: A Story of San Francisco1899book cover
59Francisco Palóu Relación histórica de la vida y apostólicas tareas del Venerable Padre Fray Junípero Serra, y de las misiones que fundó en la California septentrional, y nuevos establecimientos de Monterey1787
60James O. PattieThe Personal Narrative of James O. Pattie, of Kentucky, during an Expedition from St. Louis, through the Vast Regions between That Place and the Pacific Ocean, and Thence Back through the City of Mexico to Vera Cruz, during Journeyings of Six Years; in Which He and His Father, Who Accompanied Him, Suffered Unheard of Hardships and Dangers, Had Various Conflicts with the Indians, and Were Made Captives, in Which Captivity His Father Died; Together with a Description of the Country, and the Various Nations through Which They Passed1831
61Stephen PowersAfoot and Alone: A Walk from Sea to Sea by the Southern Route. Adventures and Observations in Southern California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, etc.1872book cover
62unknownReglamento para el gobierno de la Provincia de Californias. Aprobado por S. M. en Real Órden de 24. de octubre de 17811784
63Joseph Warren RevereA Tour of Duty in California; Including a Description of the Gold Region: And an Account of the Voyage around Cape Horn; with Notices of Lower California, the Gulf and Pacific Coasts, and the Principal Events Attending the Conquest of the Californias1849
64John Rollin RidgeThe Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta, the Celebrated California Bandit. By Yellow Bird1854book cover
65Alfred RobinsonLife in California: During a Residence of Several Years in That Territory, Comprising a Description of the Country and the Missionary Establishments, with Incidents, Observations, Etc., Etc.1846
66Josiah RoyceCalifornia from the Conquest in 1846 to the Second Vigilance Committee in San Francisco: A Study of American Character1886
67Edwin L. SabinKit Carson Days (18091868)1914book cover
68Charles Howard ShinnMining Camps: A Study in American Frontier Government1885
69Dame Shirley"California, in 1851" and "California, in 1852" in The Pioneer; or, California Monthly Magazine [The "Shirley Letters"]185455
70Frank Soulé, John H. Gigon, and James NisbetThe Annals of San Francisco; Containing a Summary of the History of the First Discovery, Settlement, Progress, and Present Condition of California, and a Complete History of All the Important Events Connected with Its Great City: To Which Are Added, Biographical Memoirs of Some Prominent Citizens1855
71Robert Louis StevensonThe Silverado Squatters1883book cover
72William F. SwaseyThe Early Days and Men of California1891book cover
73Bayard TaylorEldorado; or, Adventures in the Path of Empire: Comprising a Voyage to California, via Panama; Life in San Francisco and Monterey; Pictures of the Gold Region, and Experiences of Mexican Travel, 2 volumes1850
74J. Quinn ThorntonOregon and California in 1848...with an Appendix, Including Recent and Authentic Information on the Subject of the Gold Mines of California, and Other Valuable Matter of Interest to the Emigrant, 2 volumes1849
75Daniel TylerA Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War. 184618471881
76Samuel Curtis UphamNotes of a Voyage to California via Cape Horn, Together with Scenes in El Dorado, in the Years 1849'50. With an Appendix Containing Reminiscences of Pioneer Journalism in California1878
77George VancouverA Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, and round the World; in Which the Coast of North-West America Has Been Carefully Examined and Accurately Surveyed. Undertaken by His Majesty’s Command, Principally with a View to Ascertain the Existence of Any Navigable Communication between the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans; and Performed in the Years 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, and 1795, in the Discovery Sloop of War, and Armed Tender Chatham, 4 volumes1798
78Miguel VenegasNoticia de la California, y de su conquista temporal, y espiritual hasta el tiempo presente. Sacada de la historia manuscrita, formada en Mexico año de 1739, 3 volumes1757title page
79Felix Paul WierzbickiCalifornia As It Is, and As It May Be; or, A Guide to the Gold Region1849title page
80Daniel Bates WoodsSixteen Months at the Gold Diggings1851title page

References

  1. Tucker, Jill (May 7, 2009). "Dan Volkmann, collector of rare books, dies". San Francisco Chronicle. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  2. Doyce B. Nunis Jr. "History of the Zamorano Club". The Zamorano Club. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
  3. Basbanes, Nicholas A. (March 15, 1999). A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books. Henry Holt and Company. pp. 492–6. ISBN 978-0-8050-6176-5.
  4. Soble, Ronald L. (September 18, 1988). "An Exclusive Club of Many Chapters". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  5. "The Zamorano 80". The Zamorano Club. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  6. Gordon J. Water (April 16, 2010). The Zamorano 80 Revisited: A Collector's Update of a Classic Work. Xlibris Corporation. p. xi. ISBN 978-1-4628-1868-6. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  7. Sloan, Dorothy. "The Zamorano 80". Dorothy Sloan Books. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  8. "Auction 12: The Zamorano 80 Collection of Daniel G. Volkmann Jr. Lots 64 & 64A Item 64. The exceedingly rare Life and Adventures of Joaquín Murieta". Dorothy Sloan Books. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
  9. Wilkie, Everett. "The Elusive Zamorano 80 Captured Again: The Volkmann Zamorano 80 under the Hammer in February". Americana Exchange Monthly. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
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