CURRIER AND IVES’ AMERICA edited by Colin Simkin, published by Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, copyright 1952.  A panorama of the mid-nineteenth century scene, eighty prints in full color with an introduction and commentary by the editor. This is a hardcover, canvas on board, with examples of their illustrations on both the front and back covers.  Some ware to the covers, but the inside is in very good condition (some pages have handling marks on the backs of the pages, but nothing significant).  This is a large format book that measures 12 ¼” x 16”.  The pictures are lithographs that were reproduced by George Hornby of Bookservice America, Inc., all of which are in excellent condition, although reprinted from the originals.  The pages are not numbered but I’m guessing that there are between 100 and 120 pages.

THE BEGINNING in which is described the invention of lithography, the development of the process, the arrival in America and the entry of Nathaniel Currier into the business.

THE THRIVING in which Ives joins Currier and the partners set about building a staff, going into mass production and getting distribution of “colored engravings for the people”.

THE FOURISHING in which the “printmakers to the American Public” satisfy the craving for pictures and fulfill their destiny as recorders of the period during which this country came of age.

THE WANING in which, after a half-century of pictorial reporting on the American scene, the famous partners bow out without realizing what an indelible imprint they have left.

THE REAWAKENING in which the Americans begin to recognize and appreciate not only the heritage left them by their ancestors but also the impressions left them by the printmakers who made history as they recorded it.

Taken from the table of Contents.

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