Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 220

"Map of Arkansa and other Territories of the United States", Carey & Lea

Subject: Central United States, Arkansas

Period: 1823 (published)

Publication: A Complete Historical, Chronological, and Geographical American Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.5 x 14.5 inches
36.8 x 36.8 cm
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Map on a large sheet titled "Geographical, Statistical, and Historical Map of Arkansas Territory" with text panels at sides, (20.5 x 16.5"). For this commercial atlas version of the Stephen Long report map, Carey & Lea chose a single sheet format at a reduced scale with the political boundaries highlighted in color. Extraneous details, including Major Long's astronomical notations, camp site locations, and elevation profile were eliminated, and information about Arkansas and surrounding territories was added in columns framing the map at the sides. The geological details were retained thus qualifying the map for an affordable alternative to Long's report-version map. Minor variations in place names, landform engravings and lettering between the atlas and Long's map exist with the most obvious being "Great Desert" substituted from Long's famous "Great American Desert" found on his report map. Other interesting differences exist, such as "Pawnee villages deserted in 1810" whereas the Long map uses the date of 1820 on the first edition, thereafter changing to 1810. This second edition Carey & Lea edition also contains minor variations in the surrounding text. Claims are sometimes made that the first edition (1822) Carey & Lea map preceded the publication of the Long report map based on a date of 1823 for the report. However, both were actually published in 1822 making the distinction impossible to tell from date alone. Even Wheat erroneously assigns an 1823 date to the Long report map. An interesting question that deserves further study.

References:

Condition: B+

Very nice example less centerfold toning and some light foxing or toning at both lower corners. Beautiful, early impression with fine original hand coloring. Full margins and sound paper.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $650

Closed on 2/25/2009

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