Catalog Archive
Auction 170, Lot 713

"The Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena", Johnston, Alexander K.

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1850 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11.4 x 14.8 inches
29 x 37.6 cm
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This is a reduced version of the first edition of Johnston's atlas of natural phenomena, originally published in 1848 in imperial folio format. The reduced size made this edition more convenient for schools and families. Johnston's work is the English version of Heinrich Berghaus' Physikalischer Atlas, the first truly comprehensive thematic atlas. It is packed with information on a host of topics including geology, hydrography, meteorology, botany, natural history, and ethnology. The atlas features 25 hand colored plates and 122 pages of text. The frontispiece is a paleontological and geological map of the British Islands drawn from the sketches and notes of Edward Forbes, a professor at King's College, London. There are 5 geographical plates; 6 hydrographical plates; 4 meteorological plates; and 9 plates covering natural history. Hardbound in quarter black leather with tips over brown cloth covered boards with gilt titling on front cover and spine. All edges gilt.

References:

Condition: B+

Text and maps are very good with some light soiling and foxing and toning along the sheets' edges. Binding is a little loose. Covers have light shelf wear and stains, with new tips and spine.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 11/14/2018

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