Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 554

Includes Melish's Popular Map of the United States

"A Complete Genealogical, Historical, Chronological, and Geographical Atlas; Being a General Guide to History, Both Ancient and Modern...", Lavoisne/Aspin

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1820 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.4 x 17.9 inches
31.5 x 45.5 cm
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This is Lavoisne's second American edition folio atlas "carefully revised and corrected" by C. Gros and J. Aspin. Published by M. Carey and Son, and printed by T.H. Palmer "on the Ruthven Press, and on J. & T. Gilpin's Machine Paper." The atlas is complete and contains 24 double-page and 10 single-page maps, plus scores of detailed and colorful tables, chronological and historical. The maps are listed below.

World in hemispheres; Ancient World of Noah (two single-page maps); Canaan & Egypt (two single-page maps); Ancient Greece; Roman Empire; Incursion of the Barbarians; Europe; England, Scotland & Ireland; England & Wales; Scotland; Ireland; France (statistical); France (historical); Spain & Portugal; Germany; Kingdom of Netherlands; Italy; Poland & Hungary; Russia; Denmark & Scandinavia (two single-page maps); Turkey & Greece (two single-page maps); Asia; China; India; Africa; North America & South America (two single-page maps); United States; and South America.

The United States map, by John Melish, provides a detailed view of the Missouri River and the headwaters of the Columbia River based on information from Lewis and Clark's expedition. The new state of Missouri is shown with a straight western border. Michigan Territory includes the eastern part of present-day Wisconsin, which is still a part of the North West Territory. The large Arkansas Territory takes in most of present-day Oklahoma. Texas is a part of Mexico. One of the most interesting features of the map is the river system in the West, near Long's Peak, where the headwaters of several major rivers all originate within a few miles of one another - Colorado, Columbia, Rio del Norte (Rio Grande), Arkansa (Arkansas), and the Platte.

Rebound in quarter calf and tips with gilt decorations and title on spine. Title page, introduction, contents, maps and tables.

References:

Condition: B+

The maps are very good to near fine with minor offsetting, occasional foxing, and light soiling. The U.S. map is loose. Rebacked with original boards, which are worn and stained.

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 6/9/2021

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