Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 164

"[2 Volumes] Picturesque America; or, the Land we Live in…", Bryant, William C.

Subject: Canada & United States

Period: 1872-74 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
11 x 13 inches
27.9 x 33 cm
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"Picturesque America" was published by Appleton & Co., New York, 1872-75. It was the most elaborate publication of travel imagery produced in the 1870s. This publication set out to reveal the unique and varied scenery of all of America. This was made possible by the recent opening of transcontinental railroads and overland communications. It was considered the definitive treatment of the American landscape, and its appearance just before the nation's Centennial graphically marked the United States' progress in exploration and development of scenic wonders during its first century. Appleton employed many of America's most celebrated and respected artists to prepare the illustrations.

This is one of the most beautiful plate books on the United States and Canada ever produced. Includes over 500 wood engravings, many are full-page but some are also oddly shaped. The engravings include works by Thomas Moran, Harry Fenn, Granville Perkins, F.O.C. Darley and other important American artists of the 19th century. The forty-nine steel plate views are missing in this set. Two volumes in matching bindings in half-calf. Volume I - 568 pp., Volume II - 576 pp. Sold as a set of wood engravings, some pages loose. Click on the link above to see the complete list of the wood engravings contained in these two volumes.

References:

Condition: A+

All individual wood engravings are fine, some pages loose. The covers are worn at spine and tips. Contents are clean and bright, fine. These volumes are missing the steel engraved views, and are thus sold as a collection of wood engravings.

Estimate: $140 - $160

Sold for: $100

Closed on 3/17/2010

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