A. Witteman, Publisher of American Views, 1901. Softcover string-bound booklet featuring 15 black-and-white photographs (likely albertypes, as this was Witteman's specialization) of the exhibition buildings illuminated at night. Good+ condition. Bumping and wear to cover edges; right bottom corner of front cover has a small piece missing. Front cover and first page were creased diagonally in opening, which has caused a large tear on the first page along the crease. Previous owner's bookplate to interior of front cover. String ties are intact, and photographs are all in place. 15 pages, approximately 9.25" by 7.25". An uncommon find; Worldcat notes two copies in collections.
The Pan-American Exposition was a 1901 World's Fair held in Buffalo, New York. Wikipedia notes that it "was distinctive from its former predecessors in that it was the first exposition to employ a central theme in its overall design and layout, employing extensive lighting on and about the buildings and other structures, along with color, and sculpture to obtain its harmony. ...The advent of the alternating current power transmission system in the US allowed designers to light the Exposition in Buffalo using power generated 25 mi (40 km) away at Niagara Falls." The Pan-American Exposition is also known for being the location of the assassination of President William McKinley. He was shot during the exposition at the Temple of Music, which is featured in one of the images in this book.
