Legends of Vancouver

1924, with hand-painted suede binding

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition, second printing (of the New Illustrated edition). Bound in suede with yapp edges. 20 × 13.5cm, xvi + 165pp.

Not signed but a previous owner has painted over the First Nation head and headdress to the front cover (it's usually seen just blindstamped) and inscribed the rear cover (Richard from Auntie Mabel).

A collection of Indigenous legends and tales drawn from the oral traditions of the Coast Salish peoples, originally published in the late 19th century. It presents a blend of semi-historical narratives and romantic elements such as The Siwash Rock, The Sea-Serpent, A Royal Mohawk Chief, and The Tulameen Trail. Illustrated with black and white photographs, with title page and intials by James Edward Hervey MacDonald, the Canadian artist and member of the Group of Seven.

Condition

Fair. A reading copy. The suede binding is tatty with a few small surface abrasions and divots, and corners creased but the main body of text is in good plus condition remaining very readable.