LOS ANGELES, CA.- Nate D. Sanders Auctions will offer an extraordinarily rare first edition of Fielding Lucas' Progressive Drawing Book at auction on September 25, 2025. This landmark publication represents the earliest and most important American drawing instruction book, predating John Gadsby Chapman's "The American Drawing Book" by two decades.

Published in Baltimore in 1827 by cartographer and publisher Fielding Lucas Jr., the complete title reads "Lucas' Progressive Drawing Book, in Three Parts…Consisting Chiefly of Original Views of American Scenery, and Embracing the Latest and Best Improvements in the Mode of Instruction."

Lucas created this groundbreaking work to establish a distinctly American alternative to the drawing books that had gained popularity in England. The book features stunning original American views including:

• The Susquehanna, Mississippi, and Hudson Rivers
• Ships on the Atlantic Ocean
• Warrior Mountain
• Various American landscapes unique to the young nation

The offered copy is complete with 38 plates, including nine by John H.B. Latrobe that were hand-colored in aquatint by John Hill, along with two reproduction plates (numbers 7 and 15). The book retains its publisher's original marble boards with paper label and features half morocco sympathetically rebacked binding. Measuring 14.75" x 10.25", the volume is in very good plus condition and displays beautifully, with only minor imperfections including a few missing tissue guards and one monotone plate partially colored in red by an amateur hand.

The rarity of this title cannot be overstated. Only one copy of the 1827 first edition has appeared at auction in the past 50 years, achieving $88,200 at Christie's in 2022.

"This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a foundational work in American art education and publishing history," said auction owner Nate Sanders, "Lucas' Progressive Drawing Book represents America's first major effort to create its own artistic instructional tradition, independent of European influence."

Bidding begins at $30,000.