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Impressive oversized 19th-century pictorial history of the American Civil War, measuring approximately 16 inches tall and containing 512 pages filled with hundreds of detailed engravings depicting the war from 1861–1865.
Published by Mrs. Frank Leslie, the volume draws heavily upon the extraordinary visual record created by artists working for Frank Leslie’s illustrated publications during the Civil War. The title page describes the work as an “authentic pictorial history of the war” and specifically notes battle scenes and naval engagements “drawn by special artists on the spot.”
The artists credited include Becker, Crane, Beard, Schell, Lumley, Forbes, Nevill, Davis, Simons, Osborn, Wilcox, Weaver, Bosse, Newton, Rawson, Russell, Sartorius, Chamberlain and others.
Throughout the enormous volume are illustrations of major battles, cavalry operations, troop movements, military camps, naval engagements, forts, prominent officers and other events of the conflict. Particularly impressive are the numerous full-page and double-page battle scenes, many originally based upon contemporary Civil War illustrations rather than later artistic interpretations.
Examples visible in this copy include General Fremont’s march from Tipton to Warsaw, the crossing of the Osage River, operations in the Shenandoah Valley, the Ninth Massachusetts Regiment near Yorktown, Confederate cavalry attacking a Federal supply train near Jasper, Tennessee, portraits of military officers and dramatic two-page battlefield scenes.
The book remains in its attractive original burgundy/maroon publisher’s cloth, featuring a large gilt Civil War sword with banner and elaborate gilt lettering on the front board. The spine is also gilt lettered “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated History of the Civil War 1861–65.” The combination of its approximately 16-inch folio format, extensive period illustrations and decorative gilt binding gives the book considerable display presence.
Condition: Good antiquarian condition. The original burgundy cloth shows rubbing, scuffing, spotting and general shelf wear, with wear and bumping at the corners. The elaborate gilt decoration and lettering on the front board remain quite strong and attractive. The spine shows rubbing and wear, particularly at the head, where there is fraying and some cloth loss. The hinges are a little loose but remain attached, and the book remains together. Because this is an unusually large and heavy 130-year-old volume, it should be handled with appropriate care. Interior pages show expected age toning with occasional spotting, soiling and minor edge wear. The engravings remain sharp and highly detailed.
The book has been checked through the final numbered page, page 512, and no missing leaves were observed. No dust jacket, as issued. Please review all photographs carefully as they are an important part of the condition description.
A substantial and visually impressive 1895 first edition Civil War history, particularly appealing for its enormous folio format, original gilt-decorated binding and extensive collection of 19th-century Civil War illustrations.
