Beschreibung:

McKenney, Thomas L. and Hall, James. History of the Indian Tribes of North America, With Biographical Sketches and Anecdotes of the Principal Chiefs. Embellished with One Hundred and Twenty Portraits. Philadelphia: D. Rice & A.N. Hart, 1855, 1858. Three volumes; vol. 1 dated 1858, other two dated 1855. Royal octavo edition, contemporary fully blind-stamped Morocco, five spine bands, gilt spine lettering and page edges. Overall in exceptionally fine condition. Long-time superintendent of Indian Affairs, Thomas McKenney had an idea to put together these volumes, but responsibilities seemed to get in the way. When dismissed from his post by Andrew Jackson McKenney finally had time to begin the project. He had long been fascinated by the native peoples, and was alarmed at the speed with which they were disappearing and their lifestyles being altered. He partnered with Cincinnati author and newspaper editor, James Hall who supplied text for the project. Most of the images were from paintings by Charles Bird King many commissioned by McKenney, some were reproduced from earlier drawings by other artists. Eventually there were so many paintings of native peoples, that the Smithsonian set up a hall for native portraits. Unfortunately, most were lost when fire swept through the museum in 1865. This only increases the significance of these portraits to this day, since many remain the only image we have of some very significant people in American history. Condition: Slight wear to hinges. Headbands tight. very minor bumping of corners. Almost no foxing. The only toning encountered was on the pages opposite plates from the pigments, and even that is minor. Occasional bumps (for example, one "dent" near upper center of vol. 3 that has slightly compressed the leather, but not as deep as embossing). Even the ribbon page markers are intact. Vol. 1 with minor discoloration of endpapers from adhesive on pastedown.