Subject: Atlases
Period: 1822 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
9.3 x 11.3 inches
23.6 x 28.7 cm
This is the Morses' significant early American atlas, complete with a double-hemisphere map of the world, North America, the United States, Canada, West Indies, South America, Europe, its various nations, Asia, Africa, Hindoostan, and the Pacific Ocean. The double-page map of the United States, engraved by A. Doggett, is similar to the one engraved by N. & S.S. Jocelyn and published in Morse's An Atlas of the United States [1823] and New Universal Atlas of the World [1825], which is cited by Wheat. This earlier map is not mentioned. The map features the Oregon country with the overly-long Multnomah (Willamette) River. There is no northern boundary shown, although the map of North America shows the correct boundary to the Pacific. In the west, which is mostly labeled Unexplored Country, a dotted line connects a lake in the vicinity of Salt Lake to the Pacific accompanied by a note, "Supposed River between the Buenaventara and the Bay of Francisco which will probably be the communication between the Atlantic and the Pacific." Title, table of contents, and 20 maps. Hardbound in original quarter leather and marbled paper boards.
References: cf. Wheat [TMW] #355; Phillips (A) #306.
Condition: B+
Condition code is for the maps which are generally very good or better with scattered foxing on the world map and a 1" fold separation on the U.S. map. The rest of the maps have just a rare spot of foxing or toning. Title page and list of maps are foxed and the front endpapers have numerous pencil notations. The hinges are loose with heavy wear and staining to covers and spine.