Description

Large format hardcover, folio bound in black cloth lettered and decorated in gold on upper cover, with the great seal of New York City as central motif. Unpaginated (74 pages). Presentation copy by author boldly signed and dated [NY Dec 27. 22] on first blank page. Profusely illustrated with 113 half-tone and 25 color reproductions of engravings, drawings and photographs of New York City and its denizens from the late eighteenth century to 1922. First edition, privately printed for Valentine’s Manual and to be sold at the sign of the Dog and Duck, 15 East 40th Street, Manhattan. First edition. No previous ownership marks. Black cloth light rubbing at extremities and some marking from age. Cloth on outer joints split, albeit spine still firmly attached. Rear blank page badly foxed, with light scattered marginal foxing and toning to several pages. All images clean, text block tight and cloth covers sound. A near very good copy of a scarce presentation copy of this privately printed title.