George Catlin's Landmark Ethnographic Study of Native American Life
 
Title: Illustrations of the Manners, Customs, & Condition of the North American Indians (1876 Edition)
Author: George Catlin
Publisher: Chatto & Windus, London
Dimensions: 8vo. (9.88 x 5.98 inches). Vol. 1 - 264pp; Vol. 2 - 266pp
 
Description: A monumental and rare two-volume set, this 1876 edition of George Catlin's foundational work is a cornerstone of Native American studies and visual anthropology. This richly illustrated collection chronicles Catlin’s extensive travels among 48 tribes and provides a unique visual and written record of 19th-century Indigenous life.
 
This edition is particularly prized for its stunning production quality, featuring 180 vibrant chromolithograph plates, including three detailed maps (one folding), the first time this artwork was presented in color under Catlin's direct supervision. The plates capture intimate scenes of village life, sacred ceremonies, dramatic buffalo hunts, and intricate dress, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a vanishing world.
 
Details:
Binding: Bound in handsome three-quarter red Morocco with refreshed marbled boards to match the original marbled endpapers. The spines are adorned with 5 raised bands with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling and design, adding to the classic aesthetic.
Condition: In very good and complete condition. The leather is gently rubbed with some wear to the spine and corner tips, while the hinges are starting to show some movement. Some minor separation is visible along the lower joints and light soiling to the leather.
Provenance: This set includes a charming Christmas 1880 gift inscription and occasional pencil marginalia, most notably in the first volume.
Significance: An update to Catlin’s original Letters and Notes (1841), this edition's vivid color printing elevates its status as a collector's item. Referenced in the definitive American book collecting guide, Howes C241, affirming its importance.