Picturesque America was a conspicuous presence in the popular culture of the United States in the post-Civil War years. First published as a magazine series in Appletons' Journal, then as a subscription book, in parts, from 1872 to 1874 it reached a huge audience. Its voluminous text and over 900 pictures represented the first comprehensive celebration of the entire continental nation.

By testifying to the variety, uniqueness and potential wealth of the American landscape and the advanced civilization of its cities, Picturesque America laid the foundation for a resurgence of nationalism rooted in the homeland itself, rather than in institutions of democracy as would have been the case earlier in the century.

This study is the first to analyze in detail the images and messages it conveyed and why and how it was produced, paying special attention to the misconceptions surrounding William Cullen Bryant's role as "editor," the contributions of particular illustrators of the day, and the book's production history.