"Nelson's Guide to the City of New York and its Neighbourhood," published in 1858 by T. Nelson in London and New York, serves as an invaluable resource for exploring the historical and cultural richness of New York City during the mid-19th century.
This small guidebook encapsulates a diverse range of topics including a Historical Retrospect, Places of Amusement, the vibrant Broadway scene, the New Bible House, various Churches, the Crystal Palace, the Croton Aqueduct, significant Public Works, Literary Institutions, and Union Square among others. It is designed to cater to both residents and visitors, providing a comprehensive overview of the city's attractions and infrastructural achievements.
The physical attributes of the book contribute to its charm and historical value. It is a 16mo size, making it conveniently portable, and comprises 64 printed text pages, along with a frontispiece featuring a map of New York City. The inclusion of 9 printed color plates alongside illustrations interspersed throughout the text enriches the reader's visual experience, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural landmarks of the time. Additionally, a second map is creatively incorporated into the title page, enhancing the guide's utility and appeal.
The book is bound in blue cloth covers, with the title elegantly presented in gilt letters on both the cover and spine, indicating the guide's prestigious nature and the care taken in its presentation. However, it shows signs of wear and age, with chipping noted at the top and edge of the spine, which adds to the book's character and testifies to its historical journey and the hands it has passed through over the years.
On the first page there is a handwritten note to " en Madame Joseph De Decker avec les compliments du H. Amy. N.Y. 27 Janvier 1865"
"Nelson's Guide to the City of New York and its Neighbourhood" stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural vibrancy in the 1850s, offering modern readers a window into the past and an opportunity to explore the evolution of New York City through its pages.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.