Phoenixiana; A Collection of the Burlesques and Sketches of John Phoenix, alias John P. Squibob, who was, in fact, Lieutenant George H. Derby, U. S. A. [Third Series of Rare Americana, Number 5]

San Francisco: The Grabhorn Press, 1937. First Edition, 1st Printing. Very Good Plus. Limited to 550 copies [9.75x6.75in]; xvi, 240 pp., frontispiece illustration of John P. Squibob, many in text illustrations, several full and double page illustrations, toned vignettes at chapter headings; Illustrated light blue paper over boards with tan colored cloth back strip, lettering and vignette on blue paper label. top edge trimmed; Minor self wear to edges and corners with rubbing, slight darkening to covers along edges, illustrated book plate of Charles M. Goodman on front end paper. [Grabhorn 277, Wheat Books 63 (1856)]. George Horatio Derby (1823-1861) also known as John Phoenix or John P. Squibob or just Squibob, was an 1846 West Point graduate. As a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, he participated in the Mexican-American war and was assigned to California in 1849. Under General Riley, Military Governor, he explored and mapped of California and Oregon during the early years of the Gold Rush. To supplement his army income, he wrote humorous articles for newspapers, periodicals, and this book on the irreverent side of California life.

This book contains Derby's pieces as "Professor John Phoenix" and "Squibob," poking fun at such topics as military surveyors and explorers; contemporary travel accounts of the Mission Dolores, Benicia, Sonoma, San Francisco, and San Diego; literary societies and women's clubs; astronomy; and Army life. Derby is described in Wheat Books, "The lighter side of the Gold Rush, by "father of the native American school of Humor," who was also an eminent topographical engineer. Lieutenant Derby also wrote "The Squibob Papers" and surveyed several notable early Gold Rush maps of California and the gold diggings. The introduction by Francis Farquhar, shows how difficult it was for Derby to be be is irreverent self and a serious Army Officer. On several occasions, that conflict was difficult.

Book plate of Charles M. Goodman (1906-1992) an American Architect with a passion for books.