THE JOURNEY OF FRAY MARCOS DE NIZA

Dallas: University Press in Dallas, 1949. 115pp. Index. Illustrations and decorations by Jose Cisneros. Design and typography by Carl Hertzog. Notes. Bibliography. Biographical note. Original gilt-decorated terracotta cloth. First edition, limited to 1065 copies. SIGNED by Hertzog and Cisneros. Fine, partially unopened copy in an equally nice dust jacket. Dobie, Life & Lit., p. 39: “…is one of the most beautiful books in format published in America. It was designed and printed by Carl Hertzog of El Paso, printer without peer between the Atlantic and the Pacific….” Lowman, Remembering Carl Hertzog p.27 (quoting Holman): “One of the most beautiful and well-proportioned page layouts ever achieved by any designer.” When Cabeza de Vaca stumbled into a Spanish fort with three other men, he related stories told by the Indians of cities with streets paved with gold and buildings encrusted with emeralds. The Viceroy of New Spain dispatched Fray Marcos de Niza with one of deVaca’s companions to locate these cities. Months later he returned, quite alone, and confirmed the existence of the Seven Cities of Cibola. Coronado’s expedition into New Mexico was mounted specifically to check the friar’s story and secure the riches of these cities for Spain. The main focus of the book is a step by step analysis of Fray Marcos’ narrative as well as the historical background of the intrigue that led up to the Journey. This volume represents one of Hertzog’s major achievements as a book designer and typographer. Lowman, Printer at the Pass 64.