Printed in Mexico in 1787, but promoted as the first book in English printed west of the Mississippi, a slim work of just 14 leaves in contemporary paper wrappers called A Short Abridgment to Christian Doctrine was one of the rarer items offered in a recent California sale.
The first two pages comprise a dedication in Spanish, but this catechism was one intended to allow increasing numbers of English-speaking immigrants to comply with Spanish laws and customs.
It sold at $6500 (£4690) in a February 11 sale that Bonhams (25/20/12.5% buyer’s premium) held in Pasadena to tie in with the ABAA California International Antiquarian Book Fair.