In 2021, Britannic Auctions sold a two-volume folio set of Picturesque America for $676. Written and edited by William Cullen Bryant, this work was originally published between 1872 and 1874 by D. Appleton & Company. These books were bound in deluxe full blind-tooled morocco gilt and contained over 900 wood engravings and 50 steel engravings, offering detailed views of American landscapes, cities, and landmarks.
William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878) was a poet, newspaper editor, and one of the most influential voices in 19th-century America. He made a name for himself early on with Thanatopsis, a poem about life and death that people still read today. But poetry wasn’t his only focus—he spent decades as editor of the New York Evening Post, where he was a strong advocate for abolition, free speech, and workers' rights.
Bryant also played a big role in shaping how Americans saw their country. His work on Picturesque America combined detailed written descriptions with high-quality engravings, giving readers a visual tour of the country at a time when most people had never traveled far from home.
What Made "Picturesque America" Important?
"Picturesque America" first appeared in Appleton’s Journal before transitioning into a subscription-based series. As railroads and communication networks expanded, more Americans gained access to visual representations of distant regions. The book’s detailed engravings captured landscapes, cityscapes, and landmarks, shaping how readers imagined places they had never seen.
The introduction of the book explained its goal:
“It is the design of the publication entitled ‘PICTURESQUE AMERICA' to present full descriptions and elaborate pictorial delineations of the scenery characteristic of all the different parts of our country. The wealth of material for this purpose is almost boundless.”
D. Appleton & Co. published Picturesque America between 1872-75, creating one of the most elaborate illustrated works of its time. The two-volume set featured 50 steel engravings and over 900 wood engravings, with artwork by Thomas Moran, Harry Fenn, Granville Perkins, and James D. Smillie.
Each volume covers different regions of the United States, with subjects ranging from Niagara Falls and the Hudson River to Yosemite, the Rocky Mountains, and the California Coast. The detailed descriptions and high-quality illustrations made this set a landmark in American travel and landscape art, influencing later works such as Picturesque Europe and Picturesque Canada.
What Affects the Value of "Picturesque America"?
Collectors and antique book buyers look at several factors when valuing illustrated 19th-century books:
- Edition & Binding – Morocco-bound editions like the one sold by Britannic Auctions are worth more than standard cloth-bound versions.
- Illustrations – Complete sets with all 50 steel engravings and 900 wood engravings are more desirable.
- Condition – Books with tight bindings, clean pages, and minimal foxing command higher prices.
- Completeness – Since Picturesque America was sold in parts before being bound, missing sections can affect value.
Recent Sales of "Picturesque America" and Similar Works
Collectors continue to seek fine editions of Picturesque America, particularly those in deluxe morocco leather bindings and complete with all original engravings. Condition, completeness, and rarity affect values.
Here’s how Picturesque America has performed at auction in recent years:
- Picturesque America; or, The Land We Live In (2 Volumes, William Cullen Bryant) – Sold for $570 (2024)
- Picturesque America; or, The Land We Live In (Fine First Edition, Potter & Potter Auctions) – Sold for $270 (2024)
- Picturesque America (2 Volumes, Portfolio, ¾ Leather Binding, New England Book Auctions) – Sold for $120 (2024)
Get Auction Alerts or a Free Estimate
Collectors continue to seek fine 19th-century illustrated books, especially those with high-quality engravings and deluxe bindings. If you’re looking to buy or sell a set of Picturesque America, sign up for auction alerts to stay updated on upcoming online auctions.
If you have a fine antique book collection, Britannic Auctions offers a free consignment estimate to help you determine its value.
