Mead, Peter B.
An Elementary Treatise On American Grape Culture And Wine Making
1867, New York, Harper & Brothers
First edition
A foundational American viticultural text, this treatise stands as one of the earliest comprehensive manuals on grape cultivation and winemaking in the United States. Written at a time when American vintners were striving to establish native viticulture, Mead’s treatise combines scientific precision with practical agricultural insight. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 200 engravings, this volume captures every stage of grape culture, from soil preparation and vineyard layout to pruning, training systems, disease control, and the complexities of fermentation. The illustrations are of remarkable clarity, revealing the root systems, trellis structures, and training methods with botanical accuracy rare for the period. Mead’s work holds particular historical importance as it bridges European viticultural methods and the unique demands of American soils and climates. The author’s lucid explanations and empirical approach made this text indispensable to 19th-century growers, while its detailed engravings remain a visual delight for the modern reader. A classic of agricultural literature and an invaluable artifact of early American wine history.
This volume guides the reader from the ground up, beginning with vineyard establishment through careful consideration of soil preparation, manures, climate, exposure, and shelter. It offers clear instruction on planting and training techniques, presenting the Guyot, Thomery, Bow, and Jura systems with precise, well rendered illustrations. The author provides an extensive study of grape varieties, examining their growth habits, fruit quality, and suitability to different regions. Detailed engravings throughout illuminate vine anatomy, pruning practices, trellis construction, and the tools essential to vineyard work. Further chapters address the diseases and insects that threaten the vine, outlining early treatments that rely on sulfur, lime, and attentive field management. The second half turns to the craft of winemaking, following the process from harvest and pressing to fermentation, storage, and the organization of a well kept cellar. Across more than 460 pages, the work blends horticultural knowledge with practical technique, creating a complete reference for both professional and aspiring growers.
It’s science with soil under its nails: an 1850s American vision of viticulture so methodical, empirical, and proudly local it reads like the nation teaching itself how to grow and ferment, rom harvest to cellar.
Pp. [1] f.e., [3] blank leaves, [1], 483, [2] blank leaves, [1] r.e.
Publisher’s original cloth, with a beautiful gilt vine leaf and title at the front cover, suffering some discoloration. Gilt title and decorations at the spine. unfortunately very discolored. internally clean and crisp; all engravings sharp and intact. A sound, complete copy of this foundational American viticulture treatise.
Dimensions (inches): 9 1/5 x 5 3/4 x 1 1/4
Peter B. Mead, 19th-century American horticulturist and viticulture expert, collaborator with botanist George Engelmann on early studies of American grape varieties.
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