The Discovery of Yellowstone Park: Diary of the Washburn Expedition to the Yellowstone and Firehole Rivers in the Year 1870

1905. Hardcover. Very Good/None (as issued). Signed, dated and placed inside the front cover by the author as follows: "Nathaniel P. Langford/St. Paul/Minnesota/July 29, 1908/". Underneath his signature is the signature and address of his wife as follows: "Mrs. N. P. Langford/291 South Exchange St./St. Paul/Minnesota/". In addition there are six other signatures and addresses of notables at the time, two on the back of the front cover and four on the blank page opposite the front cover. The names are Harris McDonald, Roland M. Hoerr, Ester A. Hoerr, Maria McDonald, Ortrude Maria Hoerr and Karl F. Kraft. The book is protected in an archival quality clear Brodart cover. There is an extensive and lengthy introduction by the author of 31 pages, numbered with roman numerals. At the conclusion of the introduction the diary starts and consists of some 122 pages followed by an appendix and some original sketches of outstanding features in the park. The sketches pages being unnumbered. Black & white illustration throughout the work. There is some separation beginning at the top between pages 26 & 27. This could be easily addressed by a book binder. Interior of the work is clean. No underlining, no highlighting, no bookplates, not ex-libris, no remainder marks, no folded or dogeared pages, no foxing, no smudges. The top of the pages are gilt. The covers of the volume itself are black with still sharp gilt lettering on the spine and front cover. At the bottom of the front cover there is a orange etching of two men packing a mule. There is a bit of wear at the tail of the spine and on some edges. A priceless, one of a kind, treasure for any devotee of Yellowstone Park history or a special collection item for a high quality library focusing on Yellowstone history. Available for immediate shipment, carefully packed in a sturdy box!