Bidspirit auction | International Publishing Co. Illustrated New

International Publishing Co. Illustrated New York: The Metropolis of To-Day. 1888. First Edition. - This quarto-sized hardcover volume is a first edition of Illustrated New York: The Metropolis of To-Day, published in 1888 by the International Publishing Co. at 102 Chambers Street, New York. The work functions as a comprehensive illustrated guide and business directory of New York City during the late 19th century. The binding is executed in half-leather with brown marbled paper-covered boards, featuring a spine with five raised bands and gilt-stamped lettering and date. The tail of the spine bears the stamped name M. WIXSON. The volume contains numerous wood-engraved illustrations and plates depicting contemporary architecture, harbor views, and industrial technology. Notable illustrations include views of Union Square, the 1860 Orphan Asylum, New York Harbor, and mechanical equipment such as the Whittier Elevator. A decorative illustrated title page precedes the formal title page and bears an ink ownership signature of J.H. Fletcher in the upper right corner. The copyright page identifies William Green of 324-328 Pearl Street, New York, as the printer and binder. The book is in fair to good condition. The half-leather binding shows significant shelf wear, scuffing, and rubbing to the leather at the corners and spine ends. The marbled paper boards exhibit moderate surface wear. Internally, the pages show moderate to heavy foxing and areas of moisture staining, primarily near the margins. The text and engravings remain legible throughout. The binding is structurally sound and remains intact.