Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - January - 2009 Issue
Cowboys, Cattle, Custer and More from Old West Books
Meatpacking magnate J. Ogden Armour.
Item 8 is a very rare pamphlet entitled The Battle of Little Big Horn, by Wallace David Coburn, introduction by Charles M. Russell. Coburn was an obscure cowboy poet, Russell the very well known western artist. We are a bit confused by the timing here, as this first edition was published in 1936. Russell died ten years earlier. Perhaps it was prepared in advance, as it contains information about Custer's body being mutilated which apparently was to be hidden from Mrs. Custer. Elizabeth Custer lived until 1933. Certainly this is a very rare Custer item. $1,350.
Speaking of Mrs. Custer, item 13 is The Boy General. Story of the Life of Major General George A. Custer As Told by Elizabeth B. Custer. Mrs. Custer spent her half century-plus of widowhood attempting to redeem her husband's reputation, so badly tarnished at Little Big Horn. This book is a condensation of the three books she wrote about Custer. It is signed by Elizabeth and includes a three-line note from her as to why he was known as the "Boy General" (he was named a general of volunteers at the age of 23 during the Civil War). $2,250.
Item 54 is a book that has been described as "An important item in the literature of meat packing." I'm not sure how much meat packing literature there is, but this one was written by a man whose name is still synonymous with meat - J. Ogden Armour. The title is The Packers the Private Car Lines and the People. J. Ogden, who took over his father's business in 1901, brought it to great heights during the first two decades of the 20th century. At one point, his wealth reached $100 million, back in the days when $100 million was a lot of money. However, some felt him less than a fair businessman, accusing him of antitrust violations, along with strike breaking. This book is an answer to a claim that the large packers were using their power to control the shipping of beef. It was published in 1906. Armour would get his comeuppance after the War, losing most of his fortune and control of Armour and Co. after it went deeply into debt. $100.
Old West Books can be reached at 817-557-4830 or oldwestbooks@earthlink.net. Their website is www.oldwestbooks.com.
