Printed and Manuscript Americana

New York: J. Disturnell, 1835. Part I only, as usual. First edition. Small folio. Illustrated with an engraved title-page and three fine steel-engraved plates on india and mounted as issued (with tissue guards), by and after Archibald Dick, Robert Hinshelwood, E.W. Clay, John G. Chapman, A. King, and James Smillie. Original stiff printed wrappers, rebacked, scattered soiling, scattered closed tears in fore-edge; spotting throughout; ownership stamp of James David Smillie on front wrapper and title-page; pencil inscription on front wrapper: "James D. Smillie / See opposite p. 13". Sabin 33520; Not in Deak

James D. Smillie's personal copy of part one of the first edition. Includes the followings views: The Narrows, From the Pavilion, Near the Quarantine Ground, Staten Island; Bay and Harbour of New York, From Bedlon's (sic) Island; Hell Gate From Great Barn Island.

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 Knapp anticipated future parts, "if duly encouraged," only two parts were ever printed. According to Sabin, the panic of 1857 put an end to the work.