McKENNEY, Thomas L. (1785-1859) and James HALL (1793-1868). History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: J.T. Bowen, 1848-1850.

McKENNEY, Thomas L. (1785-1859) and James HALL (1793-1868). History of the Indian Tribes of North America. Philadelphia: J.T. Bowen, 1848-1850.

3 volumes, 8° (267 x 169 mm). Hand-colored lithographed dedication and 120 hand-colored lithographed plates by J.T. Bowen, most after King (some occasional pale browning and spotting). Original brown half calf, spines gilt with black calf lettering-pieces gilt, edges marbled (some rubbing and wear, a few plates becoming disbound).

FIRST OCTAVO EDITION following the folio edition of 1836-1844. The plates, which Howes describes as "the most colorful portraits of Indians ever executed," are based on King's portraits in the Indian Gallery, Department of War, Washington, all of which were destroyed in the 1865 Smithsonian fire. The famous portrait of Pochontas is included in volume III. Howes M-129; Sabin 43411 (the 1850 edition).