Catalog Archive
Auction 148, Lot 813

"A Compendious Geographical Dictionary, Containing, a Concise Description of the Most Remarkable Places, Ancient and Modern, in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, Interspersed with Historical Anecdotes...", Peacock, W.

Subject: Geography Books

Period: 1793 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
3.8 x 5.2 inches
9.7 x 13.2 cm
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This little geography book contains 7 folding maps of the world, solar system, Africa, South America, North America, Asia, and Europe. The world map shows Tasmania still attached to Australia, however the rest of the world is fairly accurately portrayed, including the Alaskan coastline. The North America map most notably contains a River of the West, extending from Strait of Juan de Fuca and almost connecting to several rivers west of the Great Lakes, reminiscent of the elusive northwest passage. Cartographically, the United States is confined to east of the Mississippi River, Florida is divided into East and West and both are still a Spanish possession, and Texas is named. The book includes dictionary-style descriptions of historical anecdotes and the most important places within the four continents. A chronological list of "remarkable events, discoveries, and inventions," a monthly list of the "fixed fairs in England and Wales," and a table of currency for different cities and countries all appear at the end of the book. 24mo, bound in red leather with gilt title and embellishments on spine, marbled end papers, a.e.g.

References:

Condition: B+

Maps are in original outline color with light offsetting and a small 0.5" edge tear on the left side of the world map. Text is very clean. Covers and spine show moderate wear and the edges are bumped. Previous owner pastedown on inside front cover and ink notations on the front endpapers.

Estimate: $220 - $275

Sold for: $230

Closed on 2/19/2014

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