Picturesque America; or, The Land We Live In.

“It is the design of [this] publication... to present full descriptions and elaborate pictorial delineations of the scenery characteristic of all the different parts of our country. The wealth of material for this purpose is almost boundless” (author’s preface). The superb plates were engraved by Robert Hinshelwood, a Scots engraver who emigrated to America in 1835 where he established a considerable reputation for his work on landscapes. His painstaking and highly detailed work was much appreciated not only by the publishing houses that employed him, such a Appleton’s and Harper’s, but also by the Continental Bank Note Company who for a time employed him producing plates for currency.

2 volumes, 4to (330 × 250 mm). Publisher’s red full morocco by Matthews, Greek key panel to the boards with laurel wreath corner pieces, title gilt to upper boards, raised bands, title gilt to spine, spine gilt in compartments, inner gilt dentelles, gilt edges, marbled endpapers. Steel-engraved frontispiece and half-title to each and 45 other similar plates in all, numerous steel- and wood-engraved illustrations, many full-page. Light toning, bindings a little rubbed small patch stripped from the upper board of Volume II, but overall a very handsome set.