McKENNEY, Thomas L. (1785-1859) -- HALL, James (1793-1868). History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: Edward C. Biddle (vol. I); Daniel Rice and James G. Clarke (vol. II), 1836, 1842.

2 volumes (of 3, lacking volume 3), folio (495 x 347 mm). 95 hand-colored lithographed plates (of 96, lacking Buffalo Hunt plate, vol. II), uncolored lithographed map, 17pp. lithographed facsimile signatures of subscribers. (A few short marginal tears, some light mostly marginal spotting, title to vol.I and a few other leaves with mostly marginal tears with old tape repairs). Modern leather (some light wear).

Mixed edition of "the grandest color plate book issued in the United States up to the time of publication" (Reese). Plates with imprints including: E. C. Biddle, Key & Biddle, F. W. Greenough, J. T. Bowen, and Daniel Rice & James G. Clark. "Its long and checkered publication history spanned twelve years and involved multiple lithographers (mainly Peter S. Duval and James T. Bowen) and publishers, but the final product is one of the most distinctive and important books in Americana. Almost all the plates are portraits of individual Native Americans, the majority painted from life by Charles Bird King (who also reworked the less skilful portraits of James Otto Lewis)" (Reese). Howes M129; Reese 24; Sabin 43410a.

McKENNEY, Thomas L. (1785-1859) -- HALL, James (1793-1868). History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: Edward C. Biddle (vol. I); Daniel Rice and James G. Clarke (vol. II), 1836, 1842.