Catalog Archive
Auction 159, Lot 760

Maps Featuring Yale as the Prime Meridian

"[4 Volumes] Travels; in New-England and New-York...",

Subject: Exploration & Surveys

Period: 1821-22 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.6 x 8.8 inches
14.2 x 22.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is the complete 4-volume set of Timothy Dwight's description of New England in the early 19th century, based on his travels over several decades. Dwight was a minister, theologian, educator, author, and the eighth president of Yale College from 1795 to 1817. In honor of Yale College, Dwight selected Yale as the prime meridian in the three maps that accompanied his work. The maps, all engraved by George Gillet, are:

A. Map of the Southern Part of New England Compiled for Pres't. Dwights Travels
B. Map of the Northern Part of New England Compiled for Pres't. Dwights Travels
C. Map of the State of New York Engraved for Pres't. Dwights Travels

524; 527; 534; 527 pages; errata; three folding maps. Octavo. Rebound in quarter burgundy-color faux leather spine with gilt titling, and original marbled paper boards with original leather tips.

Included with the set is an original 4-page advertisement for Charles E. Cuningham's biography on Timothy Dwight, which was published in 1942 (and cost $3.75 at the time).

References: Howes #D612.

Condition: B+

The folding maps are very good with light offsetting and tiny binding tears at right. Text has uniform pleasant light toning. New spines are excellent and original boards have light wear and several small chips and abrasions.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 9/14/2016

Archived