Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 308

"Pennsylvania", Carey, Mathew

Subject: Pennsylvania

Period: 1814 (circa)

Publication: American Pocket Atlas

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.6 x 5.8 inches
19.3 x 14.7 cm
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Mathew Carey was a seminal figure in early American publishing; establishing the first publishing firm to specialize in cartography and issuing the first atlas devoted exclusively to American maps. He set up an elaborate cottage system of craftsmen for compiling, engraving, printing, and coloring maps. This practice was emulated by later American cartographic publishers such as John Melish and Henry S. Tanner. The American Atlas concept was also adopted by other publishers in both the United States and Europe.

Finely engraved copper plate map that details towns and villages, watershed, topography, and the wagon road system. This pocket atlas edition does not show counties. Longitude is shown from London and Philadelphia. Engraved by W. Barker.

References:

Condition: B

Good impression and coloring. Close margins, as issued. Small tear in lower margin just into border, closed on verso. Centerfold reinforced on verso with Japanese tissue.

Estimate: $120 - $140

Sold for: $90

Closed on 12/6/2006

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