History of the Indian Tribes of North America

Lot 188
26.05.2022 10:00UTC -04:00
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$ 63 000
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
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ID 752865
Lot 188 | History of the Indian Tribes of North America
Estimate value
$ 70 000 – 100 000
History of the Indian Tribes of North AmericaMcKenney & Hall, 1836-1844McKENNEY, Thomas L. (1785-1859) and James HALL (1793-1868). History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: Edward C. Biddle, 1836; Daniel Rice and James G. Clark, 1838 and 1844.First edition of "the grandest color plate book issued in the United States up to the time of its publication" (Stamped with a National Character); state "A" of volumes one and three, state "B" (issued with part 16) of volume two. "Its long and checkered publication history spanned twelve years and involved multiple lithographers (mainly Peter S. Duval and James T. Bowen) and publishers, but the final product is one of the most distinctive and important books in Americana. Almost all the plates are portraits of individual Native Americans, the majority painted from life by Charles Bird King (who also reworked the less skillful portraits of James Otto Lewis). The complicated circumstances of its production have left a bibliographical stew of issues and issue points that are yet to be satisfactorily resolved" (ibid.). This copy has state "A" of "War Dance" and state "C" of Red Jacket (no priority on either); also the "War Dance" text is the second printing of three.McKenney was Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the 1820s and as such received Native delegates to Washington. He began the practice of inviting them to sit for portraits by Charles Bird King and share their biographical details as early as 1824. About 90 individidual biographies, of various lengths and degrees of detail, accompany the portraits in the first two volumes. The original oil paintings were destroyed in the 1865 Smithsonion fire.In his official capacity, McKenney advocated Indian removal to west of the Mississippi and his portraits make frequent reference to the desirability of missionary and "civilizing" efforts. Nevertheless, the respect he felt for the men and women he met as individuals is clearly genuine. In 1830, he formally denounced the U.S. government for its failure to uphold the terms of its treaties with the Cherokee Nation and he was fired by Andrew Jackson that year. BAL 6934; Bennett p. 79; Best of the West 68; Howes M-129 ("d"); Stamped with a National Character 24 (this copy? exhibition card laid in). Three folio volumes (509 x 362mm). 120 hand-colored lithographed plates, map, and 17-page subscriber list present (some very pale offsetting from text and toning to plates, tissue guards creased; vol. 1 frontispiece with a small marginal stain, vol. 1 46.1 text leaf with marginal closed tear; vol. 3 plate at p. 129 ["Jack-O-Pa"] is lightly stained). 19th-century half morocco over marbled boards, spines gilt (corners and spine worn, covers detached). Custom individual chemises and slipcases for each volume.
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