(San Francisco) Picturesque America. New York: Appleton & Co., 1872-74. $225.00

"Golden Gate (From Telegraph 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. This beautiful view is based upon a painting by James Smillie.

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