Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - December - 2007 Issue
Western Americana from Thomas Goldwasser Rare Books
Bodies of the Dalton Gang: Bill Powers, Bob Dalton, Grattan Dalton, Dick Broadwell, along with later photo of Emmett Dalton.
Item 260 is one of the most important studies of the American Indian, History of the Indian Tribes by Thomas McKenney and James Hall. McKenney was the first Director of Indian Affairs, and after being dismissed from his post by President Andrew Jackson, set out to preserve their rapidly changing traditional culture for history. Together with James Hall, he produced this look at the Indians, including 120 hand-colored plates depicting chiefs and other notable members of the tribes. Offered is a copy of the third octavo edition, noted for its brilliant color. $35,000.
Item 83 is the story of one of the most notorious criminal gangs of the Old West by one of its members. Emmett Dalton and two of his older brothers, once lawmen themselves, turned to crime around 1890. Perhaps it ran in the family, as they were related to the Youngers, whose gang gave Jesse and Frank James their start. The Dalton Gang was very successful at robbing trains, perhaps too much so for their own good. Along with several others who joined them, they decided to attempt something no other bandits had accomplished -- rob two banks on the same day. Of all places to choose, they selected their hometown of Coffeyville, Kansas. They donned fake beards and wigs, but townsfolk quickly recognized them, and took up arms as the gang held up the banks. When they tried to escape, the townspeople were waiting. The date was October 5, 1892. It was the last day the Daltons rode. Brothers Bob and Grat were killed on the spot, while Emmett, his body riddled with bullets, was not expected to survive. However, Emmett did recover, was sentenced to life in prison, reformed and was pardoned 14 years later, and moved to California. Emmett Dalton would then play himself and others in a couple of movies, become a real estate agent, and write this book: When the Daltons Rode. It was published in 1931, with Dalton surviving until 1937 (his obituary is pasted in this copy). The copy also includes an inscription from Dalton to famed newspaperman H.L. Mencken. $2,750.
You may visit Thomas A. Goldwasser Rare Books online at www.goldwasserbooks.com, or reach them by phone at 415-292-4698.
