(New Orleans) Picturesque America. New York: Appleton & Co., 1872-74. $175.00

"New Orleans"

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 work was illustrated with 49 finely engraved steel plates of various American cities and natural wonders. This is an especially pretty and detailed depiction of the busy port, bustling with maritime and commercial activity on the water and on the docks.  Much of what Victorian Americans knew about theUnited 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.

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