Pearls of American Poetry.

Mapleson, T.W.

Published by New York: Wiley & Putnam, [n.d., 1853?].

About this Item

ÒThis collection of poems is one of the most elaborate examples of mimicking illuminated manuscripts by way of chromolithographyÉMapleson produced a string of similar books in the early 1850s, at the height of the gift book crazeÓ (Reese, American Color Plate Books, 89). Quarto. [28] leaves, printed on heavy card stock. Lithographed in colors and gold by A. Brett, Philadelphia. PublisherÕs full brown morocco, ruled in blind and central gilt crest on front board, crest stamped in blind on rear cover, all edges gilt. Yellow coated endpapers. Binding extremities slightly rubbed and worn. Spine and board edges a bit toned, light foxing to leaves and tissue guards. contemporary bookplate on front pastedown, contemporary ink signature on recto of front flyleaf. A very good copy. First edition of one of the highlights of American color printing, and one of the few American publications that is on a par with the works of Noel Humphreys and Owen Jones. The text consists of poetry by William Cullen Bryant, FitzGreene Halleck, and others, all with detailed historiated or decorative borders. The book is dedicated ÒTo the Ladies of the United States.Ó Marzio, Chromolithography: The Democratic Art, p.192. Bennett, American Nineteenth Century Color Plate Books, p.71. Seller Inventory # 16587

Bibliographic Details

Title: Pearls of American Poetry.

Publisher: New York: Wiley & Putnam, [n.d., 1853?].

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition