Ingraham, Joseph Wentworth

A Manual for the Use of Visiters [sic] to the Falls of Niagara: Intended as an Epitome of, and Temporary Substitute for, a Larger and More Extended Work, Relative to this Most Stupendous Wonder of the World.

Buffalo, NY: Printed for the Author, by Charles Faxon, 1834. First Edition. Printed wrappers. Item #22320

72pp. Light blue original wrappers. Quite likely the first guide about the Falls. Includes sections on Routes to the Falls; Directions to Visiters [sic]; Historical Notices; The Falls (Situation, Latitude, etc.); The Islands, Bridges, Staircases, etc.; Interesting Objects of Visit; Aboriginal Remains; Battle Grounds, Forts, etc. "The first guide-book to Niagara Falls was published in 1834, though for many years the travelers' hand-books and tour-books had contained a good deal relative to the Niagara region, both historical and descriptive. Horatio A. Parsons published a Niagara guide in this year, and claimed it was the first book of the kind. Ingraham's book appeared in July, and was the outcome of studies he had begun in 1833. It was a thoroughly original work, not the least useful feature being a list of 135 works which he had consulted, ranging in date from 1660 to 1833 -- the first bibliography of the Niagara region... In the 'advertisement' of the Niagara 'Manual', dated 'Niagara Falls, July 1, 1834,' Mr. Ingraham says: 'I would have had this little tract printed on better paper, if it could have been procured in this vicinity; but it may add some interest to the book, in the eyes of visitors, to be informed, that the paper on which it is printed, was manufactured at the Falls; and the waters of the Niagara, are intimately blended with its every fibre.'" Publications of the Buffalo Historical Society Vol. VI, ed. Frank H. Severance, 1903, p. 572. This copy with the inserted postscript facing the title page in which Mr. Ingraham reports the first exploration of the Cave of the Winds on July 15th. Mild chipping to corners and spine ends, small tape mend to spine. A very good+ copy. Scarce. Howes I51. Sabin 34778. ; 18mo.

Price: $650.00