The History and Antiquities of Boston... [as issued in 18 parts].

Boston. Luther Stevens, 186 Washington Street. 1853-56. A set of 18 string-tied parts with printed paper wrappers. Each number is generally 48 pages plus one or more unnumbered leaves of portraits or views. Some modest amounts of soiling and edge roughness. Occasional stains. The wrappers have fully or partially separated from about one-third of the numbers. Not collated. (Present are the two bird's-eye views from Bunker Hill and the Pownal view of Boston (in no. XII); the four maps called for in the index could not be located.). Item #3339

Drake's The History and Antiquities of Boston... was an extremely popular mid-nineteenth century history of Boston. It is not an uncommon book. It is, however, quite uncommon in this form, namely the 18 individually parts in which it was published over a period of about four years. Each of the string-tied parts has its own printed wrappers that included an illustrated cover as well as conditions of publication and press notices about the work. Most parts contain an engraved plate with a portrait; in addition there are two large views which together provide a 360-degree view from Bunker Hill and a large reproduction of Pownal's famous early view of Boston. A nice survival of 19th century publishing history. Sabin, A Dictionary of Books Relating to America: 20872 (not mentioning the publishing in parts).

Price: $650.00

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