Western People's Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 1 - Vol. 2, No. 24; 1834-35

Item Details

Cincinnati, Ohio, Published by H.S. Barnum, Stereotyped and Printed by J.A. James, 1834-1835, Hardcover

First Edition, Good

Bound volume containing 32 issues of Western People's Magazine, a bi-weekly, illustrated periodical published in Cincinnati beginning on March 1, 1834. Some issues bear the addition imprint of Sandford and Pope, Alexandria, Louisiana.  Most issues are 8 pages (a few are 6), and each measures about 10.75 x 6.25 inches. The 32 issues are bound chronologically, but four issues from the time period covered (March 1, 1834-February 7, 1835) are lacking, Two leaves are missing large sections, and one issue is missing nearly all of the final leaf. The binding (contemporary marbled paper boards with leather spine) is heavily worn, and the front board is nearly detached. The pages are tanned but generally clean, with mild to moderate scattered foxing and some marginal tears. The first pages of two issues have sizeable ink stains. 

Little seems to be known about the magazine's publisher, H.S. Barnum, although he published several books, some in partnership with an H.L. Barnum. (Neither appears to be connected to P.T. Barnum).  The content is an eclectic mix, covering topics described as specific to a western audience (e.g,, articles on "Western Life" and "Western Forests"); descriptions of natural wonders; Indian lore; natural history; mining and manufacturing; American and world history; tourist destinations; science; and more.