Zephyr Used and Rare Books' latest catalogue is called Winter Array – Catalogue 2024. According to Webster, an “array” is “an impressive display or range of a particular type of thing.” Zephyr's new catalogue is an impressive display or range of paper collectibles. There are all sorts of things here, but no one description can define them all. They are not things you see everyday, but short-run publications like promotional literature and unique items like photographs. There are even a few books but they are not ones you run into all the time. This is a catalogue for collectors who like something different. Here are some selections.
There is no one left alive today who witnessed the San Francisco earthquake, but there aren't many Americans who have never heard of it either. It struck in 1906, and the damage created by the quake and ensuing fire devastated the city. Over 80% of San Francisco was destroyed. More than 3,000 people died. San Franciscans rebuilt. They're a hardy bunch. Item 35 is a collection of 10 stereoview albumin photographs of the after-effects of the quake. Among the places shown are the McCormick Hotel, Lick Baths, the Emporium, Hopkins Institute, refugees in line for relief, and general views of the devastation. The Lick Baths were rebuilt but the McCormick was torn down. One of the photos shows some men reading papers and smoking as they wait in line for aid. Nearly three-quarters of the population was left homeless, living in makeshift refugee camps, some for years. Some of the roads have been cleared of debris in the pictures but not much else had at the time. There are mimeographed typescript captions on the back of the photos. The photographs were taken by Clinton Johnson, who appears in Los Angeles street directories from 1896-1906 as a photographer. Priced at $1,250.
Here is a chart that would look good on your wall, particularly if you're an automobile mechanic. It is The Austin “SEVEN” Garage Chart. Circa 1925, it was produced by Austin Motor Co., Ltd., of Birmingham, England. It is a 40” x 25” chart depicting the chassis of an Austin Seven. This was a small, inexpensive, but popular car in its homeland for many years. The lithograph chart shows the chassis, engine, transmission, and steering box. Surrounding text, on a green background, provides information about recommended lubricants, electrical equipment, cooling system, and tyres. It will be a great visual piece, and if you're lucky enough to own a 1920s Austin Seven, of practical use as well. Item 14. $200.
This show enabled people all over America and Europe too to experience the “Wild West” as it never was. The bigger than life and bigger than reality legend was heavily promoted by William F. Cody, who used that image to promote himself. He was a showman and promoter, the success of which explains why you probably know “Buffalo Bill” even today, though he died long before you were born. This is no criticism of Cody. He entertained millions with his shows that were somewhat based on the American West, though an exaggerated version. Item 116 is a program for Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World, for a performance on July 16, 1908. It would have been great fun to go, but alas we were born too late. The program is die-cut in the shape of an Indian's head, which is the illustration on the cover, with an inset image of Buffalo Bill himself. Internally, there is text and photos on the 32 pages. The show featured trick riding, mock battles with Indians, a “Great Train Robbery,” Mexican Rurales, Russian Cossacks (is this really the American west?) and more. $750.
Everyone would like to have a deluxe copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll's il-logical fantasy has long been a favorite of both kids and adults. John Tenniel's illustrations are a favorite too. This is a copy from the Limited Editions Club, makers of special collectible editions of favorite books. This one was published in 1932. But, there is more too it than just a fine edition. This book was actually signed by Alice herself. Seriously, it was. Alice Liddell, later Hargreaves, was a neighbor of the scholarly Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who turned into Lewis Carroll with a pen in his hand. Dodgson was a photographer and 7-year-old Alice Liddell one of his subjects. To entertain her, he wrote this imaginary tale about her. Dodgson died in 1898. Alice was 80 when she signed about 1,000 copies of the Limited Editions Club edition of “Alice.” Item 39. $1,500.
She may never have hit the really big time, but Ricki Covette (Irene Siewert Jewell) stood tall on the fringes of stardom. She performed in burlesque, danced in Broadway musicals, including as Gymnasia in Sondheim's A Funny Thing Happened the Way to the Forum. She was grossing over $25,000 a year in the 1950s. She appeared on “To Tell the Truth” and “Who Do You Trust” on TV. Ms. Covette was not an ordinary showgirl. She had one very distinctive feature. Ms. Covette was 6 foot 8 in height. She was billed as “The Longest Legs in Show Business,” “The World's Tallest Exotic,” and “Glamazon.” Who could dispute that? Item 31 is an archive of her career from the 1950s – 1970s. It includes broadsides, promotional brochures, news clippings, contracts, press releases, letters, a program for “A Funny Thing,” and a TV script for a proposed TV show, “Relaxacizing with Ricki.” She later retired, became a real estate agent, and married a cinematographer for Disney. She died in 2016. Item 31. $1,250.
Zephyr Used & Rare Books may be reached at 360-695-7767 or zephyrbook@gmail.com.
