Time-Life Books: "The Forty-Niners"

Above, the cover of "The Forty-Niners" volume.

Back in the 1970s, Time-Life Books published different series of book sets. One of which was The Old West. There were 27 volumes in the series.

According to Wikipedia:

The Old West is a series of books about the fundamental founding of the American Old West, published by Time-Life Books from 1973 through 1980. Each book focused on a different topic, such as cowboys, American Indians, gamblers and gunfighters.

The book set was rather handsomely done with covers in simulated leather.

Another topic of focus was "The Forty-Niners", which covered the California Gold Rush. It was published in 1974.

The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus was given a mention on page 140:

Any afficionado of the old west or ECV should pick up this set should they happen to find it at a used bookstore, eBay, Amazon or yard sale.