The Iconography of Manhattan Island 1498 - 1909. Compiled from Original Sources and Illustrated by Photo-Intaglio Reproductions of Important Maps Plans Views and Documents in Public and Private Collections

New York: Robert H. Dodd, 1928. First edition, one of 42 copies on japan vellum. Engraved title-pages in each volume present in two states, proofs on india mounted, signed by the artist; with proofs on india of chapter head- and tail-pieces (those in vols. I-III, signed by artists Sidney L. Smith and Walter Airman), numerous engravings and facsimils trh. 6 vols. 4to. Original half vellum and blue cloth, t.e.g. Vol. II with gilt stamp of The Rose Bindery, Boston, on front turn-in. Blairhame label, David L. Godine bookplate. Near fine set (usual variations in vellum). First edition, one of 42 copies on japan vellum. Engraved title-pages in each volume present in two states, proofs on india mounted, signed by the artist; with proofs on india of chapter head- and tail-pieces (those in vols. I-III, signed by artists Sidney L. Smith and Walter Airman), numerous engravings and facsimils trh. 6 vols. 4to. The monumental work of Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes, published from 1915 to 1928, the fruit of years of collecting and researching prints and maps. Stokes announces his aim in the Preface: "The Iconography of Manhattan Island represents the result of a two-fold purpose: to collect, to condense, and to arrange systematically and in just proportion, within the confines of a single work, the facts and incidents which are of the greatest consequence and interest in the history of New York City, with special reference to its topographical features and to the physical development of the island; and to illustrate this material by the best reproductions obtainable of important and interesting contemporary maps, plans, views, and documents; in other words, to produce a book dealing with the physical rather than the personal side of the city's history, which shall be at the same time useful and interesting to the student of history, the antiquarian, the collector, and the general public."

With a nice presentation inscription in volume I, "It is a land where milk and honey flow; / where plants distilling perfume grow; / where Aaron's rod with budding blossoms blown; / a very Eden' New York, July 3d 1916, I.N. Phelps Stokes"

One of 42 sets printed on japan vellum (of 402 sets total). A comprehensive work on the maps and views of Manhattan, the work contains a tremendous amount of historical material related to New York in general. Despite the somewhat narrow focus of the title, Stokes is so expansive in his treatment of sources that this is also the best reference work available on numerous publications which touch only briefly on New York, but which are described in full herein; e.g. the Scenographia Americana and the Atlantic Neptune.

Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes (1867-1944) was an architect, historian, and housing reformer. Together with John Mead Howells, he founded the firm Howells and Stokes and designed many prominent buildings, including the Baltimore Stock Exchange, the New York headquarters of the American Geographical Society, and St. Paul's Cathedral at Columbia University. A tireless advocate for social housing reform, he designed tenement buildings and helped draft the New York Tenement House Law of 1901. Of his interest in the topographical history of New York and the publication of his Iconography, the ANB notes the following:

"In 1908 Stokes, while visiting a friend, was struck by the sight of an engraving of a view of New York harbor, drawn in 1794 by Charles de Saint-Mémin. Stokes later wrote: 'Something in the aspect of the little group of houses clustering along the river bank...combined with something in the attitude of the two figures in the foreground and in the appearance of the coach hurrying along the road in the middle distance, suggested to me the idea of writing a book on the history of New York prints.' From this random incident grew Stokes's passion for collecting prints, drawings, maps, and images of all kinds relating to New York. He eventually donated his unparalleled collection to the New York Public Library. Out of Stokes's interest in collecting historic views of New York developed his interest in the history of the city. In 1915 he began publication of his monumental historical work, The Iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498-1909, which grew to six thick quarto volumes (completed in 1928), lavishly illustrated and filled with the results of extensive scholarly research, including a detailed chronology of the history of the city and a carefully compiled index that gives ready access to a wealth of information....His Iconography is an essential source for New York history."

"Most elaborate and comprehensive history of New York City" (Howes). Howes S1026; Streeter Sale VII:4392