Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - April - 2008 Issue
An Unusual Mix from Brian Cassidy, Bookseller
The Round Table was a political and literary journal published during the Civil War.
The St. Francis has been one of San Francisco's most luxurious hotels for over a century. Opened at the turn of the century, the hotel was purchased in 1944 by Benjamin Harrison Swig. Swig sold it in 1960. Item 14 is a collection of business documents relating to the period of Swig's ownership, including material sent to Harold Goldman, one of Swig's financiers. It is a behind the scenes look at the luxury hotel business of this famous San Francisco landmark. $250.
Item 27 is four typescripts of a rather horrendous one-act play prepared for the San Francisco Masons in 1937. The title, Jim Lee & Co. Laundry, is a forbearer of what is to come. It is filled with stereotypes of various ethnicities. There is the African American "Sambo Washington," the Chinese "Sing High," the German "Weenie Schnitzel," and the homosexual "Bill Lightfoot." For those upset with today's "political correctness," this play should provide lots of laughs. $350.
Item 21 is that rousing KKK melody: The Bright and Fiery Cross. The proud author/musician was Alvia O. De Ree. It proclaims the KKK's supposed patriotism and concludes with the memorable lines, "Oh, the Bright and Fiery Cross so despised by the few; Has a wondrous attraction for me." This wondrous little ditty was published circa 1913. $100.
You may reach Brian Cassidy, Bookseller, at 831-656-9264 or books@briancassidy.net. The website is www.briancassidy.net.
