Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York, for 1853.
New York: McSpedon & Baker, 1853.
Illustrated manual of the Corporation of the City of New York. 505 pages with 4 fold out maps and 17 diagrams and lithographed views. Thick 12mo, original cloth binding with official city seal in gold (corners worn and spine ends significantly chipped but still solidly bound and internally clean). Maps, illustrations and text in excellent condition and complete according to the "Index to the Illustrations in the Manuals of the Corporation of the City of New York", published by the Society of Iconophiles, 1906. Pencil inscription on reads "My Selected Copy." Small embossed stamp from "C.A. Miller's Book Hive, 15 Ann St. New York 1860." New York: 1853. First edition.
The "Manuals of the Corporation" were directories of extensive historical and contemporary records of New York compiled by D.T. Valentine. These books include detailed information on the meetings of the Aldermen Council, ordinances passed, public officials, the city's debts, directories of hospitals, alms houses and schools, ferry schedules, lists of public porters, demographics and census information, and descriptions of historic buildings and streets. Much of the information was gleaned from Dutch and English sources, as processed by Valentine. Notable illustrations in this edition include Broad Street, the Custom House, the Old Brewery Five Points, Junction of Broadway and the Bowery, and Staten Island Ferry & U.S. Barge Office at Whitehall Street. Maps include the City of New York (1853), the Commissioner's Plan of 1807 (by William Bridges), A New & Accurate Plan of the City of New York (1797) and Map of the City of New York shewing the original high water line and the location of the different Farms and Estates. D.T. Valentine (1801-1869) served as the Deputy to the Clerk of the Common Council for thirty-seven years without being promoted to Clerk. Valentine took it upon himself to compile the "Manuals", which he updated and published annually from 1841-1866. This compendium is an excellent source of early New York City history.
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good(-)
Edition: First
Language: English
Price: $475.00
Item #289209