Published by U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Co, Chicago, 1885
Seller: White Fox Rare Books and Antiques, ABAA/ILAB, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Manuscript / Paper Collectible
Wraps. Stapled. Condition: Good. Windmills as one may have never seen, with architectural pretensions! N.d., circa 1880s. 8vo. 24 by 15 cm. 56 pp. Chromolithographic illustration on both front and rear of wraps. Profuse black and white illustration within, often full page, of windmills both modest to imposing architectural structures, a few of which seem fantastical, resembling such thing as amusement park follies. Chromolithographic cover has a fantastical triumphalist message,with allegorical figures, inspired by seventeenth century Mannerist artwork but updated to Victorian aesthetics, has its heroines being steered past a dream-like windmill, one resembling a lighthouse, while the rear cover has more sharply focused imagery of a railroad and farm field. The front and back all the same are a single artwork - other than the inset of the railroad -- that capture the spirit of the windmill design featured, both utilitarian but emulating architectural folly. Title page with image of sprawling company factory. Most of the catalogue is devoted to windmills, but a few pages promote other farm equipment such as corn shellers. Archival tape along spine fold, inside and out, reattaching wraps. A few short closed tears, one on the front cover, none especially bothersome. Leaves mostly clean, age toned, but relatively lightly. Generally signs of moderate use, if not greater use.