Visions of America: The Stephen White Collection

12mo. Folding map, woodcut vignettes throughout. (Small split to fold of map, p. 19 torn with partial loss to text at lower corner, some spotting). Original printed wrappers (few creases, small at corners).

AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE FIRST EDITION; "An edition of 1867 was formerly in the collection of the Philadelphia Library Company, but is now missing" (Sabin). Between 1860 and 1870, Philadelphia experienced significant population growth. In 1860, the population of Philadelphia was approximately 565,000 but by 1870, the population had grown to over 674,000. This period of growth was influenced by industrialization and immigration, as Philadelphia became an increasingly important economic and manufacturing hub in the United States. These guide books were crucial for providing these new travelers with valuable information to help them navigate these unfamiliar places. Sabin 84983 (the 1870 edition; Sabin never saw this 1867 edition).