Beschreibung:

McKENNEY, Thomas L. (1785-1859) and James HALL (1793-1868). History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: (Vol. I): Published by Edward Biddle, 1837; (Vols. II and III): Published by Daniel Rice and J.G. Clarke, 1842-1844. 3 volumes, 2 o (512 x 362 mm). 120 hand-colored lithographic plates after Charles Bird King James Otto Lewis P. Rhindesbacher and R.M. Sully, drawn on stone by A.Newsam, and others, printed and colored by Lehman & Duval, or J.T. Bowen, vol. III with two lithographic maps (light offsetting to some plates, vol. I frontispiece torn and repaired, last text leaf torn and repaired; vol. III upper margin of frontispiece trimmed affecting image). Later red morocco gilt, edges gilt (rubbing to joints and light darkening to spines). FIRST EDITION, mixed issue. "ONE OF THE MOST COSTLY AND IMPORTANT [WORKS] EVER PUBLISHED ON THE AMERICAN INDIANS" (Field). The practice of taking portraits of the principal American Indians who came to Washington had begun as early as 1824. Chiefly painted by Charles Bird King the portraits were deposited in the War Department. Col. McKenney, superintendent of Indian affairs at Washington, conceived of the plan of making a collection of biographies, enhanced by the addition of the portraits. A biographical sketch accompanies each portrait. The work also contains a general history of the various Indian tribes within the borders of the United States. "The complicated circumstances of its production have left a bibliographical stew of issues and issue points that are yet to be satisfactorily resolved" (Reese). Bennett, p.79; BAL 6934; Field 992; Howes M-129; Reese 24; Sabin 43410a. (3)