Charles Bierstadt

Niagra; [Photography]

Niagra Falls: self published, 1869. 1st edition. 17 photographic illustrations of Niagara Falls on 19 leaves, rectos only. Each photograph is circular in format, 2” in diameter, and all are connected together, accordion like, and bound with 2 title pages in an embossed snap–locked binding of brass. Near fine, unrepaired, a fragile and scarce piece of Americana. I don’t know how many were made but most were doubtless damaged in handling and finally thrown away (jetsam) while others were just lost (flotsam), but this one was preserved with all the care one employs when sliding the TV remote out of the clutching hands of a sleeping grandpa. Near fine. Item #479

Charles Bierstadt (1819–1903) was, for a time, the most prominent photographer in western New York, keeping offices at number 2 Main Street in Niagara Falls. He was the older brother of Albert Bierstadt, the rather famous American luminist painter, so Charles wasn’t the party, he was the apartment below the party, but he holds an honorable place in the pantheon of American photography.

Niagara Falls is famous for romance so here’s a reminder for all of you women: To let a fool kiss you is reckless. To let a kiss fool you is stupid.

Price: $550.00