Mrs. Belle De Graf could turn just about anything into a delicacy. She must have been able to do so, as here she has written a book of recipes for California Canned Asparagus - Asparagus for Delicacy and Variety. Perhaps in 1925 canned asparagus was considered a "delicacy." Item 231. $25.

Item 331 is a Speech on the Subject of the Naturalization Laws and the Origin of the Native American Party. This is an 1846 speech by Connecticut Congressman James Dixon. Dixon was not pleased with this party's nativist attack on immigrants. At the time, this party had just organized nationally, and was not a major force. However, it had a brief surge from 1854-1856, when the party became more commonly known as the "Know-Nothings," and managed to run a former President, Millard Fillmore, for the presidency. After that loss, the party quickly disappeared. $45.

For those interested in a dictionary of mushrooms, item 27 is Edwin A. Daniels' Glossary for Students of the Fleshy Fungi, published in 1899. Perhaps these will go well with your canned asparagus. $25. Or maybe you'd prefer Lemons for Loveliness. This 1935 publication of the California Fruit Growers Exchange explains how lemon juice makes for a lovely complexion, as opposed to a sour look as you might expect. Item 194. $25.

Item 172 is a pamphlet for the Uncle Sam Reversing Gear Company. These are gears for motorboats, and the cover features Uncle Sam and a dance-hall girl (click thumbnail image above left to see). The motto, "First in materials, first in strength, First in the favor of boat motorists," is reminiscent of Light Horse Harry Lee's tribute to George Washington, but not so memorable. $25.

Marc Selvaggio, Bookseller may be reached at 800-356-2199 or dsbooks@comcast.net.