Catalog Archive
Auction 142, Lot 772

"A Compendious Geographical Dictionary, Containing, a Concise Description of the Most Remarkable Places, Ancient and Modern, in Europe, Asia, Africa, & America, Interspersed with Historical Anecdotes...", Peacock, W.

Subject: Geography Books

Period: 1795 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
3.5 x 5.2 inches
8.9 x 13.2 cm
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This little geography book contains 7 folding maps of the world, solar system, Africa, South America, North America, Asia, and Europe. The world map shows Tasmania still attached to Australia, however the rest of the world is fairly accurately portrayed, including the Alaskan coastline. The North America map most notably contains a River of the West, extending from Juan de Fuca and almost connecting to several rivers west of the Great Lakes, reminiscent of the elusive northwest passage. Cartographically, the United States is confined to east of the Mississippi River, Florida is divided into East and West and both are still a Spanish possession, and Texas is named. The book includes dictionary-style descriptions of historical anecdotes and the most important places within the four continents. A chronological list of "remarkable events, discoveries, and inventions," a monthly list of the "fixed fairs in England and Wales," and a table of currency for different cities and countries all appear at the end of the book. 24mo, bound in red leather with gilt title and embellishments on spine, marbled end papers, a.e.g.

References:

Condition: B+

Original color with some offsetting. Text in near fine condition with an occasional spot of foxing. Spine is worn and scuffed, and corners are bumped. The map of Asia is detached.

Estimate: $200 - $275

Sold for: $160

Closed on 11/28/2012

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