Bowen's Boston Picture 1833 Massachusetts nice pictorial travel book engravings

(Old Books, 19th Century Books, Americana, Travel Guides, Tourism, City Guide, New England, Massachusetts, Boston, Local History, Illustrated Books).

Bowen's Picture of Boston, of the Citizen's and Stranger's Guide to the Metropolis of Massachusetts, and its Environs. To Which is Prefixed the Annals of Boston, Embellished with Engravings.
Published 1833, Boston by Lilly Wait & Co.
316 pages. Text in English. Illustrated w/ 51 images (of 52: lacks the city plan), tinted lithography ornamental frontis, plates steel engraved, other images in text wood engraved.

Full leather binding, smooth spine, gilt bands, gilt ruled covers.

Binding is in POOR physical condition. Both covers present but detached, spine leather heavily chipped, boards scuffed and worn, lacks city map (as typical). However, both original gilt leather covers are present and salvageable in a rebacking, text block remains tightly sewn and complete as issued, many small engravings throughout, often 4 to a sheet, so genuine miniature images of key sights around the city.

Item is physically old and shows some signs of handling and time. Item is not new or in "new" condition.

Internally tight, small scattered staining or soiling which is never severe, light offsetting to a few images, a "noble survival" overall, still unsophisticated and pleasing in it's own way as an early 19th century American pictorial city guide.

Still attractive on the shelf. Item displays a pleasing and unique age patina. 

Please review photos for more detail and our best attempt to convey how this antique item survives.

Book Measures c. 6" H x 3 1/2" W.

[B1826].