Catalog Archive
Auction 172, Lot 113

"[Lot of 2] A Guide to Travelers Visiting the Falls of Niagara... [and] The Travellers' Own Book, to Saratoga Springs, Niagara Falls and Canada...",

Subject: Niagara Falls, New York, Canada

Period: 1835-41 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
3.8 x 5.9 inches
9.7 x 15 cm
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This lot contains two early guide books of Niagara Falls with folding maps:

A. A Guide to Travelers Visiting the Falls of Niagara..., by Horatio A. Parsons, A.M., published 1835. This second edition guide book is "greatly enlarged" and contains "much interesting and important information respecting the Falls and Vicinity." Featured at the front of the 96 page guide is Map of Niagara Falls... [on sheet with] Map of Niagara River (14.5 x 11.7") which provides the reader with excellent detail of both the Falls and the vicinity between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Text includes directions, a discussion of the river and falls, and descriptions of points of interest. Hardbound in full leather with gilt title on front cover. Condition: The map has moderate offsetting, a few stains, and a fold separation that extends 1" into the image at right. Text has light scattered foxing and the covers have average wear.

B. The Travellers' Own Book, to Saratoga Springs, Niagara Falls and Canada..., by S. De Veaux, published 1841. This is Samuel De Veaux's travel guide covering popular tourist destinations in Saratoga Springs, Niagara Falls, and Canada. Opposite the title page is Map of Niagara Falls and Adjoining Shores (6.5 x 9.8"), which is surrounded by "directions to hasty travellers," keys to sites of interest on both the Canadian and American side, and distances between various locations. There is another foldout map, Map of Saratoga (4.5 x 8.0"), that depicts the town in plan form, with a reference key on the opposing page. 258 pages with 5 additional single-page illustrations. Hardbound in gray cloth with paper title label on the front cover. Condition: The map of Niagara Falls has light toning, minor offsetting, and an old cello tape repair with staining visible on recto at right. Text and smaller folding map are very good with an occasional spot of foxing. Binding has light shelf wear and the front hinge is starting.

References:

Condition: B

See description above.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $120

Closed on 4/17/2019

Archived