Knapp, Samuel L. | The Jacques Levy copy of this rare work

Knapp, Samuel L.

The Picturesque Beauties of the Hudson and its Vicinity. New York: J. Disturnell, 1835

Parts I and II (all published), folio (347 x 275 mm). Additional engraved title-page and 6 fine steel-engraved plates by and after Archibald Dick, James Smillie, E. W Clay, and others, all on india paper mounted, explanatory slip to subscribers in Part I; long marginal tears to letterpress title and to the lower margin of the first plate in Part II, some scattered staining and marginal fraying, a few short closed marginal tears. Original cloth-backed printed buff wrappers; worn and stained, with loss to cloth-backing at spines.

First edition. Knapp's introduction ambitiously stated that his views and descriptions would extend as far as the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, but the published views are limited to New York City and its environs, including Fort Lee, Hoboken, New York harbor, and Staten Island. While the subscribers slip anticipates a Part III, "if duly encouraged," only two parts were printed. According to Sabin, the panic of 1857 put an end to the work.

No complete copies of the folio edition have come to auction since the present copy last sold in 2012. Prior to that sale, the only copy appearing in the auction records for at least four decades was in the Laird Park Library (Sotheby's New York, 29 November 2000). Very rare.

REFERENCE:

Sabin 33520; not in Deák

PROVENANCE:

Jacques Levy (his sale, Sotheby's New York, 20 April 2012, lot 189)