This is the atlas volume issued by the United States Commission on the Boundary Between Venezuela and British Guiana. Established in 1896, the commission was appointed to settle the dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain over the "Schomburgk Line," a boundary drawn by an English surveyor half a century earlier, and control of the Essequibo territory. The dispute began more than a century before, but it was intensified by an explosion of gold mining in the region. Ultimately, British Guiana retained most of the disputed territory, much to Venezuela's disappointment. American involvement in the crisis broadened and strengthened the Monroe Doctrine and paved the way for further U.S. interventionism in South America.

The atlas volume compiles 76 maps in three parts, all pertinent to the boundary question. Part I features 15 new maps prepared for the commission. Each shows the Orinoco-Essequibo Region with a different emphasis, illustrating claimed or proposed boundaries, forests and savannas, drainage basins, geology, and the evolution of European occupation in the region from 1597 to 1814. The 41 maps of Part II are reproductions of various historical maps, including works by well-known cartographers like Mercator, De Bry, Blaeu, Sanson, Popple, Delisle, Jefferys, and Bellin. Part III consists of 20 maps drawn from official or semi-official sources, most of them manuscript maps that had not been published before. Several of the maps appear in full color. This example was withdrawn from the library of the American Museum of Natural History. Originally published with soft paper covers, it was bound at the library in 1918 according to a stamp on the front pastedown. Hardbound in brown cloth with gilt title on spine.

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Condition: B+

The maps are all in very good to near fine condition with minor to light toning and some slightly creased corners. Original paper covers are lightly soiled and stained, with a few small chips. Hinges are starting and reinforced with binding tape. The outer binding has moderate shelf wear, chipped corners, and a partially removed title label. Spine is starting to crack. Ex libris.