Bryant, William Cullen, ed.

Picturesque America; or, the Land We Live In ... Vol. I [-II]. New York: D. Appleton and Company, [1872-1874]



2 volumes, 4to (12 1/4 x 9 1/2 in.; 310 x 240 mm). Frontispiece and additional pictorial title in each volume, 45 steel-engraved plates, numerous steel-engraved text illustrations. Contemporary vellum with inlaid red blue and black strapwork design surrounding a shield composed of red stripes and gold-stamped stars on a blue field, gilt-stamped fleurons at four corners, gilt-stamped titles on spines within a similar design, blue watered-silk doublures and endleaves, edges gilt, in a floral paper wrapper.

BAL 1732.1

2 volumes, 4to (12 1/4 x 9 1/2 in.; 310 x 240 mm). Frontispiece and additional pictorial title in each volume, 45 steel-engraved plates, numerous steel-engraved text illustrations. Contemporary vellum with inlaid red blue and black strapwork design surrounding a shield composed of red stripes and gold-stamped stars on a blue field, gilt-stamped fleurons at four corners, gilt-stamped titles on spines within a similar design, blue watered-silk doublures and endleaves, edges gilt, in a floral paper wrapper
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, with the editor's name on only the second volume title and the unsigned preface, bound in honor of the centennial with a gilt-stamped blue watered-silk flyleaf dated 1876.  The editor of this work, William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), had as his aim "to illustrate with greater fullness and artistic excellence than has hitherto been attempted, all the spots endeared to us by association, and, at the same time, to bring into public appreciation the many glorious scenes that lie in the by-ways of travel." The resulting work, containing contributions from numerous authors and artists, is a celebration of the physical beauty of this country. Originally issued in 48 parts, on completion in appeared in both two- and three-volume editions, with bindings in cloth or various styles of leather.