History Of The Indian Tribes Of North America, ...

Embellished With One Hundred And Twenty Portraits From The Indian Gallery In The Department Of War, At Washington.

By Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall

Philadelphia, Rice & A.N. Hart, 1858, Octavo Edition. 3 Volumes, Royal Octavo, 1 p.l., 2, iii-iv, 3-333p.; xvii, [1], 9-290 p.; iv, 17-392 p. 3 colour frontis plates and 120 hand-coloured lithographic portrait plates, full embossed publisher’s leather bindings with 5 raised bands and titles in gilt. Exterior hinge of volume 3 reinforced, spine tips chipped on volumes 1 (slight) and 2. Internally some foxing and offsetting, all original tissue guards in place, no prior ownership or institutional markings, interior hinges reinforced and tight, upper tip. A Very Good and complete set of a most important publication.

— Howes M129; Sabin 43410a/43411; Field 992

The History of the Indian Tribes of North America is arguably the most important pre-photographic record of vanished Native Americans. A spectacular series of images joins a splendid historical account of the various tribes of North America, making McKenney and Hall’s three-volume set a classic work of Americana and Native Americana. The folio and octavo editions are particularly vital in their "faithful recording of the features and dress of celebrated American Indians who lived and died long before the age of photography" (McKenney-Hall Portrait Gallery, 23).

Originally issued in folio size in 1837-1844, the McKenney & Hall History of the Indian Tribes of North America was a scientific success, but its large size and significant cost meant that it was not a financial success for Thomas McKenney. In order to try to generate extra income, McKenney had the portraits and text issued in this smaller octavo size that was both more practical and affordable. The work came out in several editions from 1842 to 1870. The prints from the early editions (1842-58), have the imprint of either J.T. Bowen or D. Rice & A.N. Hart. Later edition prints (1865-70) were redrawn on stone and have a Rice, Rutter & Co. imprint.