The Basket Weavers of Arizona by Bert Robinson (1954 1^st Edition Hardcover no DJ)

•    Author:                Alambert Edward ("Bert") Robinson (1889-1968)

•    Illustrations:                                Historic Photographs 

•    Publisher:            University of New Mexico Press   Albuquerque, NM    U.S.A.     1954

Alambert Edward ("Bert") Robinson (1889-1968) was employed in the U.S. Department of the Interior 35 years within which he rose to Superintendent of the Pima Indian Agency in Sacaton, Arizona where he retired in 1951.  He became an authority on Indian basket weaving among the Southwestern tribes and published this book in 1954. 

In 1940, while on official business travel, he was stricken with an infection which cost him his vision.  This gave him the idea for creating The Basket Weavers of Arizona.  He dictated the manuscript to his wife and they researched by traveling to remote areas to obtain specimens, talk to weavers and obtain photographs of them at work at their craft in their homes.  

At the end of the book, is a copy of the author's Citation for Meritorious Service presented at his retirement by the Secretary of the Interior, Oscar L. Chapman.  Oscar Littleton Chapman (1896–1978) was the U.S. Secretary of the Interior during President Truman's administration, from 1949 to 1953. 

Ex-library hardcover has no DJ.  This copy bound in a special heavy duty library binding with shelving info printed on spine.  Covers are red cloth with gold lettering on spine.  Front end-pages have scars from removal of envelop and due date sheet.  Library name ink-stamped on page edges and in end-pages.  Text printed on glossy paper to enhance both color and B&W photographs and maps.  Interior is tight, shows handling, but has no underlining or marks in text.  Condition: Good plus.  xii + 164pp + 18 unnumbered illustration plates. 

•    Size:  4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall,      190pp.

•    Condition:  Good Hardcover, no DJ  –  Indicated 1st Edition.  Library binding.  Retired from public library. 

Copyright 1954.  No edition/print-run info found, but colophone on reverse of title is often indication of 1st printing.  We assume that is so in this case.  No ISBN, CIP, nor MSR.  LCCN: 54-10445. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.