Martin’s World’s Fair Album-Atlas and Family Souvenir

Fascinating souvenir book of views from the 1893 Columbian Exposition.

“Containing artistic half-tone illustrations of the World’s Fair Palaces, and many of Chicago’s mammoth buildings that are now the marvel of the age; likewise of the civic and military Dedication parades. A historical review of States and Nations, with tinted maps, forms an interesting feature of the work.

A brief sketch of former world’s fairs; discourses on the life of Columbus; manners, customs, and religion of the American Indian; Chicago’s early history; Chicago in flames, Chicago of to-day; etc., etc. In short the work is a perfect encyclopedia of authentic, useful, very interesting, and carefully selected information.” [Title Page]

‘Very interesting’ indeed, this commemorative volume was compiled and copywritten in late 1892 by J.F. Martin and published in Chicago by C. Ropp & Sons. Issued shortly after the dedication ceremonies of the Columbian Exposition and while construction was ongoing, the book begins with information on the upcoming World’s Fair. Illustrations of planned buildings are accompanied by hopeful commentary on the upcoming splendor of the White City.

Dozens of photographs of prominent Chicago landmarks, street scenes, and industrial areas (notably the Union Stock Yard and the Chicago River) provide a contemporary visual backdrop. Information on previous World’s Fairs, portraits of prominent citizens, a historical account of Columbus’ voyages, and even a 16-page atlas are all also included within the decorative binding.