The reputation of Carrie Estelle Doheny as a book collector has grown considerably since her death in 1958. Although the Doheny name appears in many textbooks of American history because of the activities of oil tycoon Edward Laurence Doheny, fifty years after his death the name of his widow has become as familiar as his. Since 1987, when the decision was made to return many of the treasures of Carrie Estelle Doheny to the market, a new generation has become aware of the marvelous collection this determined woman assembled.

Carrie Estelle Betzold was born on 2 August 1875 in Philadelphia, the older of two daughters of German immigrants John E. and Susan Schultz Betzold. In 1876 the Betzold family moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, and in about 1890 they took up residence in Los Angeles, where John found employment as a streetcar motorman.

Upon graduation from high school Estelle was employed at the Petroleum Exchange...