Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 851

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

Subject: Miscellaneous Books, United States & Canada

Period: 1874 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
10.5 x 13 inches
26.7 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. Consists of 25 excellently rendered, steel engraved views and hundreds of wood engravings, many full-page include works by Harry Fenn, Granville Perkins, A.C. Warren, F.O.C. Darley and other important American artists of the 19th century. This important volume contains New York City, The Mammoth Cave, the Northwest, Chicago, Milwaukee, the Canons of the Colorado, the Rocky Mountains, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Susquehanna, Boston, and much more. New York, from Brooklyn Heights is the frontispiece. In quarter leather with tips and fancy tooling and embossing with gilt, raised bands on spine. The front covers are red pebbled cloth and stamped gilt with title and stylized artist's palette. Full marbled end papers and full gilt on all page edges (T.E.G.). Volume II - 576 pp.

References:

Condition: A

Condition code is for the plates, which are all bright and crisp with occasional minor toning along sheet edges. The text is lightly toned and tight. The covers and spine are worm, with some stains, small chips, and bumped corners. The back cover is starting to detach at bottom.

Estimate: $200 - $240

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/4/2013

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