The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail

Illustrated by Thomas Hart Benton | International Collectors Library | 1945

A handsome illustrated edition of Francis Parkman’s classic account of travel through the American West, published by the International Collectors Library and featuring illustrations by celebrated American artist Thomas Hart Benton.

Originally published in the 19th century, The Oregon Trail grew out of Parkman’s 1846 journey westward across the Great Plains. His account became one of the enduring works of American travel and frontier literature, capturing the landscape and experiences of the American West during a period of rapid expansion.

This 1945 edition is particularly appealing for its illustrations by Thomas Hart Benton, one of the leading figures of the American Regionalist movement. The copyright page records the Benton illustrations as copyright 1945 by Doubleday & Company.

The book is bound in dark green with an unusually attractive maritime-inspired gilt design. Viking-style ships decorate both the front board and spine, while a larger gilt ship forms the centerpiece of the front cover. The original ribbon marker is also present.