The Piece

1915 exposition view book.
Softcover photographic publication.
Published by Robert A. Reid, San Francisco.

Primary Description

A small-format illustrated view book documenting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915. The publication features period halftone photographs depicting exhibition buildings, sculpture, gardens, and fairground scenes as they appeared during the exposition.

Bound in original red paper wrappers, the book reflects the typical presentation of official exposition view books produced for visitors and collectors. Wear consistent with age is present throughout, including edge wear, surface marks, and softened corners.

Historical Context

The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal and to mark San Francisco’s recovery following the 1906 earthquake. View books such as this were produced as both souvenirs and visual records, offering contemporary documentation of temporary architecture and large-scale public sculpture now lost to time.

Product Details

→ Title: The Red Book of Views
→ Publisher: Robert A. Reid, Official Exposition View Book Publisher
→ Date: 1915
→ Location of Publication: San Francisco, U.S.A.
→ Binding: Original red paper wrappers
→ Contents: Black-and-white photographic illustrations
→ Size: Small format

Condition

General wear consistent with age and use. Edge wear, surface marks, and page toning present. Binding remains intact. No major losses observed.

Why It Belongs in Your Collection

This piece functions as a primary visual record of one of the most significant American expositions of the early twentieth century. It offers architectural, cultural, and historical value rather than decorative novelty.

From Viridian Eclection

Selected for its authenticity, period relevance, and documentary value.