<DIV>In the 1800's, long before the days of photojournalism and television, colorful up-to-date pictures of news events, portraits of important political and social figures, and scenic views of American natural wonders were circulating widely all through the country. From early in the exciting century that saw a small nation expand into a mighty world power, the famous lithographic firm of Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives produced over 7,000 lithographs picturing scenes of American life, portraits of American leaders, and dramatic re-creations of the events that make the news of the day.<br>Each Currier & Ives prints was individually colored by hand, and the skilled craftsmanship as well as keenness of observation make Currier & Ives prints among the most collectible of Americana. This book features the largest number of Currier & Ives prints ever reproduced in a single volume, as well as many that have never been published. It contains more than three hundred illustrations in full color.</DIV>