BajaNomad

BAJA HISTORIC BOOKS FOR SALE

dean miller - 1-20-2007 at 06:40 PM

Today I listed two historic Baja books on E Bay. I would be remiss in my loyalty to the members of this forum with out also listing them here. The are:

1) CRUISING THE SEA OF CORTEZ,

by Spencer Murray, photographs by Ralph Poole, self published in 1963, hard cover, no dust jacket with a clean and tight binding.

It is the story of two Long Beach, California adventures who cruise a small cabin cruiser powered by out board in the Sea of Cortez and the many problems they encounter along the way and the many ports the visit. Many, many wonderful historical 1963 photographs of familar areas.

E bay listing # 280072967649 Opening Bid $9.95


2) PENINSULAR CALIFORNIA,

by Charles Norhoff, with many historical photographs, published by Harper Brothers in 1888!
~~~~~that is correct 1888!~~~~~~ .
Hard cover, dust no jacket, very tight binding and exceptionally clean book for it's 118-9 year history!

This is one of the more interesting books in my library, since I have two, my loss will be some one's treasure, and hopefully some one on this board.

Lot of wonderful 118 year old pictures of areas we are all familar with; Santo Tomas, the San Quintin peir, Santa Rosalia, Burro, etc.

Great pictures, great reading, great historical book!

E bay listing #280072979625 Opening bid $14.95

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You may also want to read the "About Me" in the listing.
It some what explains my 57 year romance with Baja and why I refuse to set on a rocking boat and drown worms and call it fishing....

Good luck!

SDM

dean miller - 1-21-2007 at 06:23 AM

After being listed for 12 hours the bidding on the book "Penisular California" is at $42.00 with three active bidders and seven potential bidders watching it.

SDM

FARASHA - 1-21-2007 at 08:30 AM

HM - looks like you'll get a good price!! Great! >f<

bajamigo - 1-21-2007 at 09:21 PM

Wish you would have told me when it was $14.95. I'll wind up paying 10 times that amount for it, the way the bids are going. Anybody in the Punta Banda area should be very interested in this book, since the Nordhoff family owned property here for several generations (which they named "Rancho Ramajal"). Thanks for the heads up.

dean miller - 1-22-2007 at 06:37 AM

It has been listed 2 days and is currently at $76.00 dollars with eight bidders

Yes it is a great historical book! Fantastic reading a great pictures..

Sad so few Baja forum members are not interested in the history of the area.

sdm

Baja Bernie - 1-22-2007 at 07:14 AM

Quote:
[
Sad so few Baja forum members are not interested in the history of the area.

sdm


Dean, I am pleased that you seem to be making a few bucks on one or two books about Baja. I do, however, take exception to your comment above.

I have about 50 books on Baja that cover much of the history of Baja and I know of at least two other Nomads with collections that dwarf mine by a long ways. To my knowledge none of us have any desire to sell our books.

Luck with your sales.

Bernie

Right on, Bernie...

Mexray - 1-22-2007 at 07:55 AM

...I too have collected many books on Baja California over the past ten years...must be up around 200 by now. Don't have a copy of PENINSULAR CALIFORNIA, but it looks like the price is getting up a little too 'rich' for my blood on ebay...

Speaking of 'auctions'...did anyone watch the Barrett-Jaskson Auto Auction over in Scottsdale, on Speed Channel, this weekend...now there's an auction for the nuevo rich! A Shelby Cobra, 1966, 427 'Super Snake' went for a cool $5Million, and set a new record for a one auto sale! The buy that bought it also had to pay an add'l $500K commission on top of the bid price!

As the story goes, it was one of only two in this configuration that were built. The other one was built for Bill Cosby, but he returned it after only driving it once! A guy in San Francisco ultimately bought it, but did himself and the 'Snake' in by driving it off a cliff into the Pacific Ocean!

There was lot's of other neat 'eye candy' for we auto 'nuts' to peek at. The results and pic's etc. are on:

www.Battett-Jackson.com

[Edited on 1-22-2007 by Mexray]

dean miller - 1-22-2007 at 08:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
"...I have about 50 books on Baja that cover much of the history of Baja and I know of at least two other Nomads with collections that dwarf mine by a long ways. To my knowledge none of us have any desire to sell our books.
Bernie"
_______________________________________________

Bernie,

I knew my post would generate a comment from you sooner or later and I certainly welcome it.

The books I am currently marketing are duplicates of others in my library, so are surplus to my needs.

I just measured my established Baja collection; It measures a little over 67 + inches. I did not take the time to count but I would suspect "quite a few" books." I also have a presentabe collection of boxed Baja paper backs and epherma which also adds addional inches, so total ??

I began amassing my collection from a used book store "Acres of Books" in Long Beach, California mid 1950s. In those days there was minimal interest in Baja and even less interest in Baja books, so many books in my collection I aquired at a very reasonable price. Today like they like "Penisular Calfornia" have increased in value many fold.

This begs a point--why isn't there a dedicated thread for Baja Bibliophiles? The historical Baja books are deminishing in quanity every day and increasing at an expodential rate, like my current offerings.

Thanks for the comment and great hearing from you.

SDM

Dean

Baja Bernie - 1-22-2007 at 09:33 AM

How could you know I would respond????Never mind. Perhaps we could expand my 'Baja looking Back' thing to include something for us nuts to post (where it will remain) the books we have with a small footnote as to content. I know that Neal has posted lists in the past with David K chimming in with others.........but these seem to get lost in the mix of other stuff.

Let's see what some others think and then I will talk to the Jefe and see if he is okay with it.

Neal Johns - 1-22-2007 at 11:00 AM

The Nordhoff family did indeed live in Baja and spawned several famous writers.

Walter Nordhoff (under the pen name of Fierro Blanco) wrote the Baja classic Journey of the Flame.

Another famous Charles Nordhoff co-wrote Mutiny on the Bounty.


Here is my old resurrected book list:


Bibliophiles Baja
By Neal Johns 9/2003

The choice of a limited number of Baja oriented books is a very personal thing. Delicate shades and nuances of the Baja spirit will of necessity be left out of this short listing. An all-encompassing list (except for the years after 1964) is in the three-volume bibliography by Barrett, Baja California. Two books covering the fascinating Pinacate
region a few miles east of Baja were slipped in because of their excellence. Many of the books selected are out of print but are available from antiquarian bookstores, or on the Internet.

What’s Down There?

The Central Desert of Baja California – Aschmann
A readable scientific study of ecology, including Indians.

Lower California and its Natural Resources – Nelson
Results of a 1905-1906 U.S. government survey of the peninsula.

Natural History of Baja California – Barco
As seen by Father Barco in the 1700’s.

The Kings Highway in Baja California – Crosby
Thirty years ago, Crosby traveled The El Camino Real by
mule-great maps/photos.

The Cave Paintings of Baja California – Crosby
Great coffee table book of the ancient Indian murals.

Last of the Californios – Crosby
Text and photos of the self sufficient lives of isolated ranchers.

Las Misiones Antiguas – Vernon
Pictures and history of the Missions of Baja

The Forgotten Peninsula – Krutch
An old natural history classic of Baja.

Roadside Geology and Biology of Baja California – Minch
Geology, biology, botany and archeology keyed to the Kilo posts.

Baja California Plant Guild – Roberts
The title says it all.



What Does it Look Like?

Baja – Moore and Peac-ck
Coffee table book of great photos.

How do I Get There?

The Baja Adventure Book – Peterson
The best of the current guidebooks.

Backroad Baja – Higginbotham
Best guidebook to get into the real backcountry.

Lower California Guidebook – Gerhard and Gulick
Before Highway 1, this was the bible.

Baja Almanac – Baja Almanac Publishing
Dirt road delight, the most complete map.



What do Traveler’s Need to Know?

Backcountry Mexico – Burleson and Riskind
Customs and vocabulary back of the beyond.

The People’s Guide to Camping in Mexico – Franz
Customs and vocabulary back of the beyond.

Baja4You – Giesea
Question and answer format mainly for residents.



Other People’s Experiences

Hardly any Fences – Hilton
This famous artist was one of us. Great plates of his work also.

Camp and Camino in Lower California – North
Travel before automobiles.

The Journey of the Flame – Fierro Blanco
A fictional, but authentic, journey over the El Camino Real in the early 1800’s.

Almost an Island – Berger
A modern reflection on changes over the last four decades.

Baja Fever – Niemann
Interesting stories of the old days traveling in Baja.

Baja California: Vanished Missions, Lost Treasures, Strange Stories, True and Tall –Pepper
For the romantic in all of us.

Into a Desert Place – Mackintosh
Can you imagine walking all the way around the coastline of Baja by yourself (sans roads)?



The Water World

The Flight of the Least Petrel – Bancroft
One of the best of several voyages in the Sea of Cortez.

The Baja Catch – Kelly and Kira
Fisherman’s Bible.

King of the Moon – Kira
A fictional, but authentic, novel of life in a fishing camp.


History of Baja

Antigua California – Crosby
The definitive modern history book by a master.

Observations in Lower California – Baegert
Father Baegert tells it like he saw it in 1771.

A History of Lower California – Martinez
A 1960 work of love.



Pinacate

Desert Heart – Hartmann
The Pinacate wonderland is on the border a hundred miles or so east of Yuma.

The Sierra Pinacate – Hayden
A combination, knowledgeable text and picture book by a field archeologist.



Special Mention

The Baja Travels Series 1965-1992– Dawson
Glen Dawson and his famous Baja bookstore is responsible for many convertsto what for many of us is a secular religion. This series of 51 books covers the entire range of Baja subjects. In 1989 the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum took over from Dawson's as publisher of the series.

The Unforgettable Sea of Cortez – Kira
The Baja experiences of Ray Cannon, who’s fishing columns in Western Outdoor News introduced thousands of Americans to the wonders of Baja during its Golden Age of 1947-1977, for better or worse. Gene Kira wrote it as a memorial with the invaluable help of Ray’s lovely wife, Carla, who supplied decades of memorabilia.

[Edited on 1-22-2007 by Neal Johns]

David K - 1-22-2007 at 11:52 AM

When I get the book, it will be available for Nomads to view here in my collection and someday at El Rosario's Baja Book Library being developed by BajaCactus. :yes:

As I was out-bidded, I purchased a copy from another source.

[Edited on 1-23-2007 by David K]

BAJA BOOKS--BAJA BERNIE

dean miller - 1-22-2007 at 12:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
How could you know I would respond????Never mind.... .

_____________________________________
BERNIE,

I admire and respect you for your many efforts and informative historical posts.

I am certain that when we meet we will have a lot to discuss become immediate friends .

Until that meeting occurs the Baja Board will be our commonality factor for sharing stories.

Cheers and keep up the good work,

SDM

Dean

Baja Bernie - 1-22-2007 at 06:39 PM

Nice words are always appreciated and yours make me very happy indeed. Look for forward to meeting you one day!

Mexray was it you or Oso who recommended the book, "The Pig in the Barber Shop' by H.Allen Smith. Not written about Baja but if anyone wishes to laugh his/her burro off and at the same time really begin to understand the Mexican culture this one is a must read.
who ever recommended it I thank you for great insight into the real Mexican folks.

David K

Baja Bernie - 1-22-2007 at 06:58 PM

Look at your email!

BajaBruno - 1-22-2007 at 07:23 PM

Some excellent and informative posts here. I've done a little research and
Nordhoff's Peninsular California, e.g.

"NY: Harper & Brothers, 1888. Hardcover Hardcover, 8vo, 130 papes plus ads. Illustrated with b/w photographs and maps. Binding is strong. Corners rubbed. The embossed green cloth is blackened along edges and on spine, which might be from soot; erasing helps. The gilt lettering remains readable on the spine and bright on the cover. Interior has no markings of any kind and no wear, and is in excellent condition. Very good-"

is going for an average of $75, but up to $200+ in the used book market. Good luck, Mr. Miller, you have a fine and sought after book there.

PENISULAR CALIFORIA--NORDHOFF

dean miller - 1-23-2007 at 04:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
Some excellent and informative posts here. I've done a little research and
Nordhoff's Peninsular California, e.g.

"NY: Harper & Brothers, 1888. Hardcover Hardcover, 8vo, 130 papes plus ads. Illustrated with b/w photographs and maps. Binding is strong. Corners rubbed. The embossed green cloth is blackened along edges and on spine, which might be from soot; erasing helps. The gilt lettering remains readable on the spine and bright on the cover. Interior has no markings of any kind and no wear, and is in excellent condition. Very good-"

is going for an average of $75, but up to $200+ in the used book market. Good luck, Mr. Miller, you have a fine and sought after book there.


__________________________________

CURRENT BID =$103.50=TEN BIDDERS, 4 DAYS REMAINING

SDM

dean miller - 1-24-2007 at 06:42 AM

Neal,
Mexray

Thanks for the biblio list of your collection, I must also do the same. We are certainly rank beginners when compaired to Mexray who, according to his post has 200 voumes in his collection. I understand there are others on this board who have equally impressive collections, but seldom posts bibliophilic information. Perhaps with post like this we can induce them to share their knowledge of the Baja written word

It would be nice, but some would say unneccesary to create a document of Baja related books. Ther is a mulitude of Baja books, authors are publishing new ones every day; concurrenly older ones are becomming very scarce and increasing in value as every day passes.

Perhaps a Baja bibliofile could be established listing each volume by title, author (S) year published, publisher, and if approprite LCC or ISBN numbers. It would be one of a kind document that would be valuable for all-- from the casual visitor, to the serious researcher.

David K good luck with your efforts in El Rosario.

Baja Bruno, Yes I was aware that it was rare and vauable when I listed it. However I did not take the time to research it as you did. Thanks again.

SDM

Minnow - 1-24-2007 at 02:12 PM

WTF. Someone outbid me on my book. GEt out your check books fellas. :P

Mike Supino - 1-24-2007 at 08:30 PM

Currently $215.00 USD

dean miller - 1-25-2007 at 06:12 AM

Yep, currently at $215.00 20 bids and 16 watchers who have it marked.

SDM

Dean Miller

Baja Bernie - 1-29-2007 at 03:03 PM

Did you end the auction???

Minnow - 1-29-2007 at 03:44 PM

Let that be a lesson to all you old farts. When the time comes, we will be waiting.:P

I'll see your next of kin on EBay.:o

Just kidding, I like the El Rosario library idea though. THe oneI won can be the second donation.:yes:

[Edited on 30-1-2007 by Minnow]

book lilsts

bajalera - 2-4-2007 at 12:13 AM

No need to reinvent the wheel. An extensive list of books about Baja has already been compiled, at Bajacalifology.org.

Hey, Lera

Baja Bernie - 2-4-2007 at 08:53 AM

Glad to see you are still alive and kicking.

DENNIS - 2-4-2007 at 02:59 PM

Bajalera ----
I went through that site, apparently not well enough, and didn't find anything that resembeled a list of books. Where did I go wrong?

Dennis

Baja Bernie - 2-4-2007 at 03:01 PM

You didn't miss anything that I could determine.

DENNIS - 2-4-2007 at 03:04 PM

Bernie ---
Oh well, I'll just keep reading you're books. At least, they're fun.

bajalera - 2-4-2007 at 10:56 PM

Sorry, Dennis! Last time I tuned in to Bajacalifology the site had info on anthropological meetings, new publications, deaths and whatever, and it was easy to contact the Webmaster.

What I just got there, instead, was a Bibliography and that's it. When I tried to send an e-mail asking what gives, it asked for information on my provider that I don't know squat about--and besides that, I had to turn off my computer to get off the site--the "x" wouldn't do it. I'd like to b-tch about this, but have no idea how this might be done.

The bibliography I down-loaded a year or so ago runs to around 120 pages, covering a wide range of scholarly stuff that seldom trickles down to the popular level, plus a fair amount of Erle-Stanley-type adventures as well. It's really been unseful.

Hey Bernie--you sound like one of the guys who thinks Baja California history began when he discovered the place. Say it ain't so!

Bummer.

bajalera - 2-4-2007 at 11:04 PM

Had I realized that Nomads--even the ones who are nice little old ladies--are not allowed to bi*ch, I'd have said "complain in a disagreeable manner."

[Edited on 2-5-2007 by bajalera]

David K - 2-5-2007 at 12:24 AM

Lee, Bernie's new book starts with Cortez' people and the natives... that was a few years before he went to La Salina!

So Sorry, Lee

Baja Bernie - 2-5-2007 at 09:59 AM

That is not the impression I was attempting to make. I just meant I could find no list of books on that site...........I had it in my favorites after you suggested it to me over a year ago.
I believe we have spoken often about certain skulls, people from the south pacific, the Chinese in 1421, etc...............you know me better than that..........see my comment about you in my response to David's review of my last book.
So you don't get peeed...............I was trying to say that you have a great deal of knowledge in this area...........hey! we have shared a bit of it.

bajalera - 2-5-2007 at 09:16 PM

No need to be sorry, Bernie--I'm not peeed [although I'm pleased to see that Nomads are now allowed to be peeed off in our posts--that's a switch for the better].

Your comment on bajacalifology surprised me, because we've always been on the same page when it comes to history, and I didn't think you'd take my smart-ass response seriously. That site did have a great bibliography, but something has obviously gone wrong there.

The copy of "So You Think You Know. . ." that you sent me as a contributor is a great read, and I enjoyed your light-hearted, once-over dash through a few centuries. To me it seemed obvious that you were giving us all a personalized tour through the peninsula's past.

As for you, DK, are you trying to convince the Oldest Living Nomad that Bernie has any status as a certifiably elderly person? No way!

David K - 2-5-2007 at 09:33 PM

:lol: Old age is only a state of mind...

Anyway, you may have been around to see Erle Stanley Gardner exploring Baja... But, Neal Johns discovered Baja when he was in Cortez's Navy!:biggrin::light::lol:

BajaNomad - 2-5-2007 at 09:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajalera
That site did have a great bibliography, but something has obviously gone wrong there...
Have a look at the archive of the site going back to May, 2002 - see if you can find it:

http://snipurl.com/197dq

--
Doug

[Edited on 2-6-2007 by BajaNomad]

bajalera - 2-5-2007 at 10:28 PM

Neal Johns (and I have this on good authority) is older than God and way better off. God isn't allowed even one spouse, much less that six-mile-long line of Wives-in-Waiting.

Doug, what do you think is going on with the Bajacalifology site? As a computer-challenged person, I have no friggin' clue.

Hey! Lera

Baja Bernie - 2-6-2007 at 12:19 PM

Don Jimmy used to call Neal......Sir!