antique prints, maps and watercolors

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

click for detailed image picarlingtonvlg.jpg "Washington from Arlington Heights"

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 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. This is a particularly nice view of the city from across the Potomac. The capitol building commands the viewer's attention in the middle background.

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