Victor Levasseur's "Atlas National Illustre" and "Atlas Universel Illustre" are among the last decorative atlases published. The maps are all lavishly illustrated with scenes of the countryside, products and activities indigenous to the region.

This was one of the last decorative atlases ever produced. The finely engraved title page, which sets the stage for the beautiful maps to follow, is made up of several vignettes depicting famous land and sea battles, a portrait of Napoleon I, cherubs practicing the arts and sciences, and more. In addition to the 86 individual French departments, the atlas contains 6 maps of French colonial possessions, 6 maps of the continents, and two large folding maps of the world and France at the rear of the volume. It is complete with 100 maps (93 called for in the list of maps) and the large folding world map replaces the Planisphere map from earlier editions.

Despite its 1854 publication date, the map of North America retains some of the more interesting cartographic features from the 1840s, including the United States' claims into present-day Canada reflecting the Oregon boundary dispute. The Republic of Texas is shown in its smaller configuration, and Mexico's northern border is drawn according to the Treaty of 1819 (here misprinted as 1810). Russia is in control of Alaska. The map is surrounded by beautifully engraved scenes of North and Central America including wildlife, a ship stranded in the polar sea and a Mayan temple. The French department maps have lovely decorated borders that relate to the region, including statistical information, regional products, famous local people, and places of interest.

Hardbound in contemporary quarter leather over green boards with gilt title on front cover and spine.

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Condition: A

Condition code is for the maps, which are mostly near fine in contemporary outline color. A small minority are in very good condition with occasional light scattered foxing. Hinges are starting and the binding has moderate shelf wear.