American Historical Prints : Early Views of American Cities from the Phelps Stokes and Other Collections

New York Public Library, New York, 1933 (reprinted with additions and corrections from the Bulletin of the NYPL, 1931-2). Cloth, 8vo,. xxxiii, 235 pp, plates. Excellent detailed descriptions of the images and what they portray. Contents include: Introduction; List of Towns and Cities; Explanatory Notes and Key; Catalogue; Views outside of the United States; Addenda; Historical Notes; Index of Artists, Engravers, etc.; Index of Subjects. "Many attempts have been made to present the history of the United States pictorially, and innumerable illustrated books have been published dealing with every section and nearly every important city of our country. Nevertheless, until recently there had been no serious attempt to gather under one roof, or within the compass of a single volume, a comprehensive and balanced collection of maps, plans, and views - or reproductions of them - which, collectively, by their chronological arrangement, geographical grouping, and description, should convey an adequate idea of the gradual development of the Western Hemisphere. Moreover, but few have realized that the individuality of towns and cities is just as pronounced and interesting as that of persons, and the study of the changes which have taken place during their development throughout the centuries, as illustrated by successive plans, views, and historical data, quite as revealing and fascinating as the portraits and biographies of distinguished citizens. For the most part, the pictures have been allowed to tell their own story, supplemented only by the few facts craved by collectors, by the identification of the more important landmarks, and by brief historical notes which, to avoid duplication, are gathered together in a separate section, under the names of the places selected for inclusion.... The Phelps Stokes Collection of American Historical Prints, Early Views of American Cities, etc., includes about six hundred items - paintings, water colors, drawings, engravings, and lithographs - and embraces a period of nearly four centuries, extending almost from the dawn of knowledge regarding the West Indian Islands and the eastern coast-line of the American continent down to the Civil War, and including also a few items illustrating prehistoric civilization in North and South America, as well as a small group of Western cities which have come into being since the Civil War period. It is composed of three principal sections - maps, plans, and views: the last, which constitutes by far the largest division, and the one making the broadest popular appeal, divides itself naturally under two main headings - (1) general views of towns, cities, colleges, natural scenery, etc., and interior views, depicting streets or individual buildings; (2) views of historical events, scenes, or places, such as battles or naval engagements, the introduction of steam navigation, famous ships, the homes of illustrious persons, etc." - from the introduction. Boards marked and scuffed, top fore-edge corner of front board bruised at tip with tear across bruise. Contents agetoned at margins.