KNAPP, Samuel Lorenzo (1783-1838). The Picturesque Beauties of the Hudson River and its Vicinity. New York: J. Distunell, 1835.

Parts I and II, small folio. 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. Original cloth-backed buff printed wrappers (4-in horizontal closed tear on upper cover of Part I, not affecting letters, uneven toning to covers).

A COMPLETE SET OF THE FIRST EDITION, PROOF BEFORE LETTERS ISSUE. The set was issued at three different price points: $1.00, $1.50 (proofs with letters), and $2.00 (proofs before letters). This is the latter, with the $2.00 price on upper covers, and each plate a proof before letters. 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. RARELY FOUND COMPLETE: according to online records, only two complete sets have appeared at auction since 2000; before that, only one in at least four decades. Sabin 33520; not in Deak or Bennett.

This lot is located in Chicago.