[Americana] Mason, Geo(rge). C(hamplin). Newport and its Environs

Newport: Published by Chas. E. Hammett, Jr., 1848. First edition. Vol. I (all published). Oblong folio. Illustrated with a tinted lithographed title-page and 11 tinted lithographed plates, each with accompanying leaf of text. Publisher's brown cloth-covered boards, decorated and lettered in gilt, sometime rebacked with original spine laid down, soiling to boards, rubbing and wear along extremities; foxing to text and plates; dedication leaf creased; light staining and faint dampstaining in margins; in blue cloth fall-down-back box. From the library of William S. Reese, and with his book-plate on inner front panel of box. Sabin 45442; Deak 558

The earliest view book of Newport, Rhode Island. George Champlin Mason was a prominent Newport architect, and founder of the Newport Historical Society. In his 20s, Mason spent two years studying drawing and architecture in Europe, and upon his return to Newport, prepared the drawings for the current work. Finely printed in 12 tinted lithographs, Mason's views "tend to emphasize--with their attention to cows, ducks, sheep, streams, and fishing--the pastoral quality of Newport's surroundings. Even in the first lithograph, which focuses on the harbor and the city's densely clustered buildings as seen from Fort Dunham, sheep dominate the immediate foreground" (Deak).

Very rare, according to RBH this is only the fourth copy to come to auction since 1948. OCLC locates only five institutions with copies.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.