Manual of the Corporation of the City of New York, for 1865

New York. Illustrated manual of the Corporation of the City of New York. 879 pp. with 1 Fine fold out map and 26 diagrams and lithographed views. Publishers blind stamped and textured cloth with gilt seal of NYC on front cover and blind stamped titles on spine. 12mo. Minor scuffing to spine, bumped corners, and light foxing throughout. Rear hinge starting. Illustrations, maps and text complete according to the "Index to the Illustrations in the Manuals of the Corporation of the City of New York", published by the Society of Iconophiles, 1906. D.T. Valentine, New York: 1865. The "Manuals of the Corporation" were directories of extensive historical and contemporary records of New York compiled by D.T. Valentine. These books include detailed information on the meetings of the Aldermen Council, ordinances passed, public officials, the city's debts, directories of hospitals, alms houses and schools, ferry schedules, lists of public porters, demographics and census information, and descriptions of historic buildings and streets. Much of the information was gleaned from Dutch and English sources, as processed by Valentine. Notable illustrations in this edition include "Terminus of the Main Drive in Central Park, 110th St.", "The Audubon Estate on the Banks of the Hudson" and "Tammany Hall, 1830". The single map in this volume is "Map of New York and Vicinity". D.T. Valentine (1801-1869) served as the Deputy to the Clerk of the Common Council for thirty-seven years without being promoted to Clerk. Valentine took it upon himself to compile the "Manuals", which he updated and published annually from 1841-1866. Many copies were personalized for prominent officials. This compendium is an excellent source of early New York City history. . Very Good. Hardcover. 1st Edition. 1865.