(Providence, RI) Picturesque America. New York: Appleton & Co., 1872-74. $185.00

"City of Providence from Prospect Hill"

William Cullen Bryant's 19th century publication Picturesque America; or the Land We Live In, was the last in a long tradition of American "view" or gift books. This extremely popular workwas illustrated with 49 finely engraved steel plates of various American cities and natural wonders. Much of what Victorian Americans knew about the United States was gathered from the pages of Bryant's informative and beautiful text, published by D. Appleton and Company of New York in 1872. Picturesque America allowed readers to explore the far flung corners of the expansive United States without leaving their arm chairs. A large number of steeples rise from the landscape evidence of the prosperity of the industrializing city.

9 1/2 x 13 inches, sheet.
Hand colored steel plate engraving.
Excellent condition.