Remington, Frederic | Detailed illustrations and tales of the American West

Remington, Frederic

Crooked Trails. New York and London: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1899

8vo (223 x 150 mm). Frontispiece and 48 illustrated plates, title-page printed in red and black, inscribed by the author on an additional leaf inserted; pages lightly toned and two marginal short-closed tears to one plate. Bound by Stikeman & Co. in half red morocco over marbled boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, second and third gilt lettered, others with repeat gilt decoration, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers; slight rubbing to upper hinge.

Remington’s classic book of short stories, inscribed by the author on 8 May 1899, “To Mrs. George Gould, in remembrance of two happy days on Big Tree— Frederic Remington.” The recipient, Edith Kingdon Gould, was a stage-actress and wife of George Gould, the eldest son of railroad tycoon Jay Gould.

Making his career as an illustrator, painter, sculptor, and writer, Frederic Remington wove tales of adventure into the historic and rugged landscape of the American West in Crooked Tails. The book was influenced by his various stays amongst United States soldiers and cowboys, where Remington observed interactions with surrounding Native American tribes, skirmishes, and daily camp duties. Writing for periodicals such as Harper’s Weekly and The Century Magazine, Remington depicted the West as he knew it: a land of mythos, bravado, and conflict.

PROVENANCE:

Edith Kingdon Gould (gilt morocco bookplate to pastedown)