"Tunison's Peerless Universal Atlas of the World", Tunison, H. C.

This is a lovely and unusual atlas complete with over 80 wax engraved, hand colored maps and diagrams, most with decorative borders and some with vignettes. Nearly half of the maps relate to the United States. Most of the maps are printed on both sides. The map of California, Oregon, and Nevada is particularly nice with insets of Yosemite and the Redwoods. Also featured are two pages of presidential portraits and numerous engravings showing the diverse civilizations and cultures of the world. The last map is "Map of the Regions about the Unknown North Polar Sea Showing the Latest Exploring Expeditions." These maps are uncommon for their late hand coloring, a laborious process that was largely abandoned two decades earlier. Small folio, 208 pp. Hardbound in original, embossed brown cloth boards. A very lovely example of this increasingly difficult to find atlas.

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Condition: B+

Maps are very good to near fine with light pleasant toning. Title page has minor soiling and foxing mostly in the blank margins. Hinges are starting with an amateur repair on the inside front cover, and the covers are moderately worn with a few abrasions on the back cover.