FROM CAIRO TO THE CATARACT. (With autograph note).
New York: L. C. Page & Co., 1909. First edition. Hardcover. [10], 330 pp., map, frontispiece and 48 illustrations from photographs; octavo, green pictorial cloth with cover design in gilt, white, red, and blue, top edge gilt. Tipped in between half title and frontispiece is a 2-page holograph note from the author dated May 14th (presumably 1909) to "the Sunday Editor of the Chronicle" reading "Dear Sir, As I believe you have charge of the review department of the paper, I am sending you my "Cairo to the Cataract," hoping that you will find it worthy of at least a brief mention in your Chronicle, as the work of a Californian. Very truly, Blanche M. Carson." Rubbed spot at bottom or rear joint, else about fine. Item #23731
The author recounts her November,1907 trip on the Nile River. Blanche Mabury Carson (1862-1912) a widow, was a member of the wealthy Maybury family of Los Angeles and San Francisco. A New York Times news story reporting on her death says that "For a time she was a member of the colony of writers organized by Upton Sinclair at Carmel-by-the-Sea." This group, known as "the Crowd" included Jack London, George Sterling, Mary Austin, George Wharton James, et al. Blanche Carson died tragically in 1912 when she took her own life. Having just arrived in New York City as a port of call on an around the world voyage she was caught by customs agents with some $20,000 of undeclared jewels and pearls concealed in her luggage. She was arrested, obtained a lawyer, bail was posted and arraignment was scheduled for the following day. Reportedly deeply ashamed at the scandal this would bring to her family she hanged herself that night from the window of her hotel room.
Price: $100.00