168. [SHIPMAN, Mrs. O. L. (Alice Jack Dolan)]. DAVIS MOUNTAIN FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS. The Big Bend of Texas [wrapper title]. [ Brooklyn : Albertype, ca. 1928]. [80] pp., numerous sepia-tone photogravures. Oblong 16mo, original cream printed wrappers with image of Fort Davis on upper wrapper, map on lower wrapper, string tie. Very fine, sealed in original mailing envelope. Very scarce.

     First edition. CBC 647 (plus 2 additional entries). Dobie, Big Bend Bibliography, p. 6. According to the preface, the prime mover behind this project was Mrs. O. L. Shipman (see Basic Texas Books 184 and Herd 2062 & 2063). This superb guidebook contains descriptive text and excellent photogravures, including Gage Hotel, Rancho Valle la Cienega (“the first dude ranch ever established in Texas ”), Brite Ranch, Jones Ranch, Fort Stockton , Alpine, Presidio-Ojinaga, and other landmarks of the region. A photogravure is a photographic image produced from an engraving plate. The process, which was introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, is rarely used today due to the very high cost. Photogravure prints have the subtlety of a photograph and the art quality of a lithograph. ($300-600)

Auction 19 Short Title List | Auction 19 Prices Realized