Harry T. Peters (1881–1948)

This book is in two parts: history and plates. History covers the two founders, including both Currier brothers. (Charles Currier kept many of the original prints moldering under his porch.) Also in the history text is an overview of the company itself, its affect on popular culture, and many of the key artists. For me, most interesting here was the detail on the stone and wax lithographic process completed with artisan detail by hand. It feels like the popular, affordable prints were for show more their day something between an Internet meme and a mass media release like a big hit movie.

One thing that surprised me is the derogatory stereotypes in imagery and racist jokes popular with the 19th Century print purveyors. Much of this Black Americana is reproduced here in the bulk of the book which is large, full-page plates, of which there are over one hundred. show less

Oh my, this book was *so* gorgeous. It's a 1940's copy, a record of hundreds of early Currier & Ive's plates/pictures. The portraits, landscapes, advertisements, politic comics, everything.

I traced my fingers on the edges of it, studying so many of the pictures. I love that my mother knows me so well. It was an amazing gift to be handed down, and I'm going to take careful care of it for a long time to come.

I love this book.

Peter's classic Aububon reference book for print collectors. Partially in full color 4to 192 plates total. Winter snow sleigh scene on cover.