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The Great Diamond Hoax and Other Stirring Incidents in the Life of Asbury Harpending
San Francisco: James H. Barry Co., 1913. First edition. 283pp, illus. Spine slightly faded, owner's bookplate on ffep, else clean and very good. The hoax of the title is a cautionary (or heartwarming, depending on your perspective) tale of shrewd San Francisco bankers trying to dupe rough miners and being themselves hoodwinked. The scam, a salted gem field, was uncovered by Clarence King, just off the 40th parallel survey. There is a good deal more on Harpending's business adventures in California. Paher 787. Item #22201
Price: $75.00
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