This is a beautiful pair of books by Willard Glazier, Peculiarities of American Cities (1886) and Down the Great River (1887), both published by Hubbard Brothers Publishers of Philadelphia. Both appear to be first editions.
Glazier was a brevet general in the Civil War, a POW, explorer, adventurer and author and both of these books were written with first hand experience. "Down the Great River; Embracing an account of the discovery of the True Source of the Mississippi, together with views, descriptive and pictorial, of the cities, towns, villages and scenery on the banks of the river, as seen during a canoe voyage of over three thousand miles from its head waters to the Gulf of Mexico" was based on an actual canoe adventure, although parts were later admitted to the fabricated. Peculiarities of American Cities was more information from his travels, noting features, historical tidbits and other information about nearly 40 different North American cities including Brooklyn, Pittsburgh (spelled Pittsburg), Detroit, Cheyenne, New Orleans, Montreal and more.
Estate find, please see photos for more information on condition. Both books are very good. Some wear to covers at corners, but gilding is bright and beautiful. Pages are intact, binding is secure. I did find a stained page showing the imprint of a bookmark or newspaper clipping but no other condition issues were noted. Peculiarities of American Cities also has a small stamp in the inside cover showing it was purchased from W.A. Greaves of Warren, PA. In exceptional condition for being nearly 140 years old.
