The Indian Tribes of North America by Thomas McKenney and James Hall, Three-Volume Set, Circa 1933-34

McKenney, Thomas L. and James Hall. The Indian Tribes of North America. With Biographical Sketches and Anecdotes of The Principal Chiefs. Edinburgh: John Grant, 1933-4. A New Edition, Edited By Frederick Webb Hodge. 3 Vols. Illustrated with 123 full-page Plates in Color (chiefly from the Indian Gallery, formerly in the War Department at Washington). Presented in original blue cloth boards with gilt titles to spine, deckled edges.

This is the 1933-34 octavo three-volume edition of “the most colorful portraits of Indians ever executed”, McKenny and Hall’s epic Indian Tribes of North America (Howes). Originally published in three folio-sized volumes in 1836, 1838, and 1844, the introduction to this stated "New Edition" by editor Frederick Webb Hodge presents an account of the creation of the original work, including extensive biographical information about the authors and a thorough bibliographical discussion of numerous editions that followed. Most notable to this new edition is the rich history of the work's most covetable feature: the color portraits of many Native Americans, primarily tribal chiefs.

Thomas McKenney spent six years as the Superintendent of Indian Trade. During his tenure he became increasingly concerned for the survival of the Western tribes. McKenney observed calculating individuals take advantage of the Native Americans for profit and his vocal warnings about their future prompted President Monroe to appoint McKenney to the Office of Indian Affairs. As the first director, McKenney was tasked to improve the administration of Indian programs across various government offices. 

In the summer of 1829, McKenney took his first trip to Lake Superior for a treaty with the Chippewa, opening mineral rights on their land. In 1827, he journeyed west again for a treaty with the Chippewa, Menominee, and Winebago in the present state of Michigan. His journeys provided an unparalleled opportunity to acquaint himself with native tribes and leaders. When President Jackson dismissed him from his government post in 1830, McKenney was able to turn more of his attention to his grand publishing project, The Indian Tribes of North America. Within a few years, James Hall, a lawyer who had written extensively about the West, joined him in his project. McKenney and Hall saw their work as a way of preserving an accurate visual record of what they feared was a rapidly disappearing culture. The completed book was published in three volumes.

The Indian Tribes of North America has long been celebrated for its faithful and conscientious portraits of Native Americans. The full-page color plates in the book are based on paintings by the renowned artist Charles Bird King. The War Department employed King to paint the Indian delegates visiting Washington, forming the basis of the War Department's Indian Gallery. Most of King's original paintings were subsequently destroyed in a fire at the Smithsonian. As such, their appearance in McKenney and Hall's magnificent work is our only record of the likenesses of many of the most prominent nineteenth century Indian leaders.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Octavo. Three volumes. Original navy blue cloth boards, fronts blind-embossed, gilt titles to spine, deckled paper edges. Light bumping to spines, very minor wear to front boards. Internally clean, paper very bright and healthy. Illustrated throughout with 123 full-page color plates. Previous owner’s bookplate to Vol 1. 442pp, 458pp, 355pp. 

Book Dimensions: ~ 9 1/2" H x 7 1/4" W x 2 1/8" D each. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.