LEWIS, Henry (ca 1819-1904). Das illustrirte Mississippithal, dargestellt in 80 nach der Natur aufgenommenen Ansichten von Wasserfalle zu St. Anthony an bis zum Golf von Mexico. Düsseldorf: [C.H. Müller in Aachen] for Arnz & Co., [1854-1858].

"The great early color plate book of the Mississippi region," (Streeter). In original parts, first edition. Henry Lewis's fine views include St. Louis, St. Paul, Dubuque, Nauvoo, Natchez, Baton Rouge and many scenes of Native American life. New Orleans is illustrated in a very fine, folding plate which, when counted as two plates (and the additional title as one), would give the total of eighty plates called for on the title-page. An English edition was also planned but never realized, hence the German-English captions on about the first half of the plates. Lewis was born in England and emigrated to America when he was 10 years old. In St. Louis, he became a landscape artist and produced a monumental panorama of the Mississippi River which was exhibited throughout the United States and Europe and was praised by President Zachary Taylor. He settled in Düsseldorf in the early 1850s and later served as U.S. consular agent. Although unfortunately lacking one part of the original 20, this set remains very desirable as we find no other sets in original parts in the auction records of ABPC or RBH and all sets are very rare. Deák 552; Howes L-312 ("dd"); Reps Views and Viewmakers 29; Sabin 40807; Streeter sale 1547.

19 parts (of 20, lacking no. 10), small folio (293 x 190mm). Partially unopened. Lithographed additional title page and 74 hand-colored lithographed plates, including one folding, after Lewis by Arnz (only, of 78; all plates loose, pl. 12 with pale stain, some marginal foxmarks, about 12 plates with foxing/spotting in image). Original printed wrappers (wrappers of nos. 1, 14 and 20 with large chips and partially encapsulated, backstrips taped).