"Atlas National Illustre des 89 Departements et des Possessions de la France Divise par Arrondissements, Cantons et Communes...", Levasseur, Victor

Victor Levasseur's "Atlas National Illustre" and "Atlas Universel Illustre" are among the last decorative atlases published. The maps are all lavishly illustrated with scenes of the countryside, products and activities indigenous to the region.

This was one of the last decorative atlases ever produced. The finely engraved title page, which sets the stage for the beautiful maps to follow, is made up of several vignettes depicting famous land and sea battles, a portrait of Napoleon I, cherubs practicing the arts and sciences, and more. In addition to the maps of the 89 individual French departments, the atlas contains maps of the world, continents, Oceania, and French colonies for a total of 102 maps. Despite the date, the map of North America shows the independent Republic of Texas, and the Northwest extending well into Canada in a Fifty-four Forty or Fight border. France was an ally to the U.S. and supported their position in the border dispute with England. The North America map is surrounded by beautifully engraved scenes of North and Central America including local animals, a ship stranded in the polar sea, and a Mayan temple. This fine and complete atlas is filled with maps that have lovely decorated borders that relate to the region, including statistical information, regional products, famous local people, indigenous animals, and places of interest.

Hardbound in original quarter leather over modern stiff paper boards with original title label pasted on the front cover. There are raised bands and gilt tooling on spine, and marbled endpapers.

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Condition: A

The maps have excellent impressions with some minor soiling and occasional pencil marks in the margins. The map of Finistere is partially detached from the backstrip, but the image is fine. The text block is cracked in a few places, and there is an old stamp on the verso of the title page. Covers are a little loose but intact. Original spine is rubbed at the head and tail and modern boards have minimal wear.