ST. MAUR, MRS. ALGERNON   IMPRESSIONS OF A TENDERFOOT During a Journey in Search of Sport in the Far West. London, John Murray 1890, 1st edition, hb. With folding map, b&w illustrations. Bound in original cream cloth with gilt illustrations & titles. 8vo, pp. xv, 279. Device of mounted indian stamped in gilt on front board. Title and author's name stamped in gilt.

¶ Mrs. Algernon St. Maur was the pseudonym of Susan Margaret Somerset. This is an account of an overland journey made by Somerset and her husband (whom she addresses in the book as "Algernon"). They left Liverpool in the spring and sailed to Quebec, where they disembarked to travel via rail to Toronto, North Bay, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver - with interesting stops and sojourns en route. There is much on her experiences in British Columbia and the interior. Thence by ship to Portland and San Francisco (and observations on the "Chinese Question"); then back to Vancouver. With several chapters on hunting, fishing, and travelling in the B.C. interior; notes on early French settlers and hunting in the mountains (mentions of Banff Springs Hotel, Indian squaws, whiskey, gold nuggets etc.). Thence across the Prairies to Winnipeg, with a chapter on "Life in a Lumber Camp", then the last chapter: "Homeward Bound". They returned to England in December. With eight full page plates, folding map at end, and 32 page publisher's catalogue. Signature on second blank page (dated 1891). Small crack in binding just after title page, and binding a bit sprung. One plate loose at p. 64 (but present). No splits to hinges or joints, however. A few pages roughly cut (book was apparently issued with pages uncut). Boards a bit soiled and spine darkened. Corners bumped. Having regard to age, still in good plus to just less than very good condition. See Peel 1819.

Price $475 Cdn/ $400 US (#030485)