Willis, N.P. "Mountain, Lake and River"

N.P. Willis.  Mountain, Lake and River. 

Troy, NY: H.B. Nims and Company, 1884.  Small folio. Twenty-five steel engravings, with original tissue guards and  in excellent condition. Cloth binding, with embossed decorative border and title. Slight wear on the front cover hinge. Overall, in very good condition.

A publication within the popular nineteenth century genre of the  view book genre containing, “A series of twenty-five steel line engravings from designs by W.H. Bartlett and others; The descriptive text by N.P. Willis and others.”  This type of elaborately illustrated volume, contained descriptions and views of the interesting sites and they were highly prized gifts throughout the mid to late-nineteenth century.  This set by N.P. Willis, concerning notable landscapes and bodies of water within the United States, contains twenty-two lovely illustrations by William H. Bartlett.  These views were consistently well received and made Bartlett's reputation as the premier 'picturesque' travel artist; a reputation he has retained to this day. His work is represented in a variety of formats and publications and these remain highly desirable.  This is a fine example of his Bartlett’s work, his collaboration with Willis and also the genre of the American view book so popular in the nineteenth century.