Turquois: Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences by Joseph E. Pogue (1973 Hardcover w/o DJ)




This is the granddaddy of all books on turquoise. it is very technical, but a must have for anybody either collecting or studying turquoise. Contains a huge list of Mines and Prospects, with locations. Eighteen full-page color plates. A history of turquois, with mineralogy, occurrence, origin and uses.


Volume XII, Part II, Second Memoir, Third Memoir. Illustrated. Decorative cloth binding, 162 pages plus twenty-two plates in color and monotone.


The 1st edition was published in 1915. This edition follows extensive updates to bibliographies, working mines and color photography added by Rex Arrowsmith, a Santa Fe geologist specializing in turquoise, 1st published in 1972. This 1973 5th printing corrects errors found in the early 1972 edition printings.


Joseph Ezekiel Pogue, Jr. (1887-1971),was a geologist, petroleum engineer, and economist. He published numerous books and articles on geological subjects and various facets of the petroleum industry, including The Turquoise (1915), Prices of Petroleum and Its Products during the War (1919), and Economic Structure of the American Petroleum Industry (1936).


Rex Arrowsmith (1925-2017), was a longtime Santa Fe resident and iconic Indian trader. Following his service in WWII, Arrowsmith graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in mining and metallurgical engineering. In 1959, with his wife Bonnie, they opened up a store, Arrowsmith's Relics of the Old West, in Santa Fe across from the Oldest Church on College Street. This unique store and trading post attracted clientele from around the world. He was uniquely suited to update this 1915 classic, returning it to 1970s usefulness.


Purchased from an individual. Hardcover nicely bound in cloth embossed ivory boards, with titles and decorations in metallic blue, green & red, but no DJ (suspect no jacket issued.) Only flaw noted is a oil stain on title page. Interior is otherwise as new; tight, clean and unmarked.



Copyright 1915. Stated fifth printing, 1973. ISBN: 87380-056-7. LCCN: 70-175059. No MSR.



Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:


Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...


Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.


Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.


Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.


Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)


Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).


Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.


1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.


Thanks for looking!