This auction is for an original 1899 1ST EDITION! of "OUR ISLAND AND THEIR PEOPLE AS SEEN WTH CAMERA AND PENCIL" arranged by William S. Bryan. Major General Joseph Wheeler, formerly of the U.S. Army, offers an introduction along with a special descriptive matter and narrative by Jose` De Olivares, a noted author and former war correspondent. These volumes are illustrated throughout, embracing perfect photographic and descriptive representations of the people and the island lately acquired from Spain, including Hawaii and the Philippines; also their material resources and productions, homes of the people, their customs and general appearance with many hundred views of Landscapes, rivers, valleys, hills and mountains. Special consideration is given of the conditions that prevailed before the declaration of war, by Senators Proctor, Thurston, Money and numerous prominent writers and correspondents, and a comparison with conditions as they existed; especially since this was published shortly after the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.  

The historical element has not been neglected. While the work does not embrace a consecutive history of the Spanish War, it will include descriptions of every battle and incident connected therewith, accompanying photographs of the places where the events occurred. The scenes of the famous battles fought by our won soldiers, as well as the localities watered by the blood of the Cuban patriots will be reproduced and set before the reader in all the naturalness and perfection of their present surrounding.

The object of this book is to present and complete a view of the former Spanish Island and their people as the tourist, traveler or pleasure seeker could obtain by visiting them in person. It is a pleasing combination of high art with descriptive and statistical fact and an exhaustiveness in detail that these islands and their people are brought to the American home. Since everyone can't go to CUBA, THE ISLE OF PINES, PUERTO RICO, HAWAII and the PHILIPPINES, through this wonderful publication, it is brought to YOU! Volume One features Cuba and Puerto Rico; while Volume Two focuses on Hawaii and the Philippines.

Published in 1899, this set is in GOOD CONDITION for its age; especially to be 110 YEARS OLD! This is superbly ILLUSTRATED!  with more than 1200 special photographs, color types, and colored maps. There are two volumes with a total of 784 pages. These large and weighty volumes measure 11 1/2" X 15 1/2" . The exterior covers are green cloth titled in gilt on the front cover and spine, patterned with all edges marbled.  The interior is nice with clean text and bright pages. The contents are generally firmly bound. Volume 1 has only one loosely laid in place illustration. Both volumes have all hinges neatly reinforced with  book binders tape for future preservation and enjoyment. The exterior shows spotting/stain with nicks on the covers. Otherwise, this is an interesting and attractive set as they presented an element of history as it was involving these countries during the end of the 19th Century. GET THIS SET WHILE YOU CAN!　

About Joseph Wheeler: Born September 10, 1836 – January 25, 1906, Mr. Wheeler was an American military commander and politician. He has the rare distinction of serving as a general during war time for two opposing forces: first as a noted cavalry general in the Confederate States Army in the 1860s during the American Civil War, and later as a general in the United States Army during both the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War near the turn of the century. For much of the Civil War he served as the senior cavalry general in the Army of Tennessee and fought in most of its battles in the Western Theater.

Between the Civil War and the Spanish-American War, Wheeler served multiple terms as a United States Representative from the state of Alabama. Wheeler was the author of several books on military history and strategy, as well as about civil subjects.

GOOD LUCK!!!