[Americana] Darley, Felix O.C. Scenes in Indian Life. A series of original designs etched on stone, by Felix O.C. Darley. To which is added in illustration, The Death of the War Eagle, A Tale

Philadelphia: Published by J.R. Colon, (1843). Oblong 4to (9 x 12 3/4 in.; 229 x 324 mm). Illustrated with lithographed title-page and 11 (of 14) lithographed plates by Thomas Sinclair after Darley; comprising plate Nos. 12 (misnumbered 11), 2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 6, 11 (misnumbered 10), 10, 13, and 14 (in order of appearance). Lacking the text leaves. Original wrappers perished; remnants of wrapper along spine; thread intact; scattered light soiling and wear; creasing in top corner of some plates. Bolton, The Book Illustrations of Felix Octavius Carr Darley, p. 143; Howes D-69; Sabin 18583

A near-complete and incredibly rare first edition of Felix O.C. Darley's first published work. Published when he was only 21 years old and a staff illustrator for his native Philadelphia Graham's Magazine. These lithographic plates, executed in sparse outline reminiscent of Bartolozzi, depict the life of a fictionalized Sioux Chief, War-Eagle. Published in only a very small quantity, it was originally issued in five parts between April-August, 1843, with each part containing three plates and accompanying text. Upon publication, Darley's friend, Edgar Allan Poe, praised them in his magazine, Saturday Museum, writing that they "abound in spirit and are in all respects meritorious."

Excessively rare in any quantity, according to RBH, this is the only example to come to auction since the Siebert sale in 1999.

A handsome and untrimmed copy.

From the library of Frederick Gale Ruffner, Jr., Detroit, Michigan

[Americana] Darley, Felix O.C. Scenes in Indian Life. A series of original designs etched on stone, by Felix O.C. Darley. To which is added in illustration, The Death of the War Eagle, A Tale