1853 First edition. Small octavo. [14, publisher’s ads],[1. blank[,  233, .[12, publisher’s ads] pp. Frontis and 3 further plates all foxed.   Publisher’s blind-stamped blue cloth with gilt spine lettering, pale yellow endpapers. Top and bottom of spine rubbed,   spine slightly faded.  Some foxing to text.

Benjamin Franklin Bourne,  is chiefly remembered for this one Gold Rush era book. His ‘The Captive in Patagonia,’ which provides a detailed account of his harrowing experiences following his capture by indigenous peoples of the southern region of the Americas. In this autobiographical narrative, Bourne recounts his capture (only he of all his trading partners was held) in Patagonia and vividly recounts the customs, lifestyles, and psychological impacts of his captivity among the native tribes of Patagonia. He was on his way to the California Gold Rush and eventually made it but like many others came away empty handed.