antique prints, maps and watercolors

(Harpers Ferry) Picturesque America, published New York 1872, $185.00

click for detailed image picturesque america Harpers Ferry Moonlight.jpg

“Harpers Ferry by Moonlight”

William Cullen Bryants 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 finely engraved steel and wood plates of various North American cities and natural wonders. Much of what Victorian Americans knew about the Untied States was gathered from the pages of Bryan's informative and beautiful text, published by D. Appleton and Company of New York in 1872. Picturesque America allowed readers to explore the great United States without leaving their arm chairs.

Steel engraving hand colored
13 ½ x 16 ½ inches
excellent condition.