This is a nice example of an unusual atlas that was designed to advertise W. Duke, Sons & Co. cigarettes. This publication is similar in style to the series produced by Arbuckle's Coffee, but is less common. The oblong 4to atlas has 13 sheets featuring 48 beautiful chromolithographic trading cards showing the current governor of every state/territory, coat of arms, and a local vignette. On the left facing page are small printed maps of each state/territory with a paragraph describing its boundaries, history and population. The front and rear stiff covers display colorful advertisements for the Duke Company. The atlas is printed on loose pages held together with original twisted pink ribbon.

George Washington Duke was a tobacco industrialist and philanthropist who spent his life in the state of North Carolina. His company, one of the earliest to market pre-rolled cigarettes, was one of the largest tobacco manufacturers in the world. Duke's influence and considerable donations brought Trinity College to Durham in 1892, and the college would eventually change names to Duke University in 1924.

References:

Condition: B+

Contents are very good to near fine with some minor soiling confined to the right blank margin. The covers are somewhat worn and soiled with a crease in the lower left portion of the front cover. Covers are slightly loose.