McKenney, Thomas Loraine and James Hall

3 volumes (2 volumes text and atlas), text: 8vo (270 x 185mm.), "Billy Bowlegs" hand-coloured lithographed portrait as frontispiece to volume 2, plates: folio (510 x 342mm.), 120 hand-coloured lithographed plates after Karl Bodmer, Charles Bird King, James Otto Lewis, P. Rhindesbacher and R.M. Sully, drawn on stone by A. Newsam, A.Hoffy, Ralph Tremblay, Henry Dacre and others, printed and coloured by J.T. Bowen and others, fine antique-style uniform navy half morocco over the original blue cloth, spines gilt, gilt edges, [this edition not in Field, Howes, or Sabin], the cloth somewhat rubbed and discoloured

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The last folio edition of one of the most important nineteenth-century works on the American Indian, and one of the most important colour plate books produced in America in the age of lithography.

The first folio edition was issued by E.C. Biddle from 1836 to 1844, and reissued by F.W. Greenough and Daniel Rice. The number of different printers and lithographers involved in the project reflects the complicated production of the most elaborate plate book published in the United States up to that time. This edition differs from the original folio edition most significantly in having an additional plate, the portrait of the Seminole chief Billy Bowlegs which appears as a frontispiece in the second text volume. Many of the plates bear no publisher's imprint, indicating that they may date from the 1830's onwards, though more probably 1842.

These portrait plates are based on oils by the government artist Charles Bird King, who was employed by the War Department to paint the portraits of Indian delegates visiting Washington, D.C., for the Department's Indian Gallery. Most of King's original paintings were subsequently destroyed in a fire at the Smithsonian, and their appearance in McKenney and Hall's work is thus the only record of the likenesses of many of the most prominent Indian leaders of the nineteenth century.