"Picturesque America; or, the Land We Live in… Volume I", Bryant, William C.

"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. The 24 excellently rendered, steel engraved views and 284 wood engravings, many full-page, include works by Thomas Moran, Harry Fenn, Granville Perkins, James D. Smillie and other important American artists of the 19th century. This important volume contains Yellowstone, Yosemite, Richmond, New Orleans, Watkins Glen, the Golden Gate, and the terrific frontispiece of Niagara Falls. In half leather with tips and fancy tooling and embossing with gilt, raised bands on spine. The front covers are brown pebbled cloth and stamped gilt with title and stylized artist's palette. Full marbled end papers and red fore edges. Volume I - 568 pp.

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Condition: B+

Condition code is for plates, which are in very good to near fine condition with occasional minor soiling and damp stains in blank margins, not affecting plate images with the exception only of Golden Gate. Text is lightly toned. Front cover and spine are completely detached from binding, and back cover and a few pages are also partially detached. Covers and spine show light wear and rubbing with bumped corners.