Subject: Prince Edward Island, Atlases
Period: 1880 (published)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
14.7 x 17.8 inches
37.3 x 45.2 cm
This very uncommon atlas, published by J.H. Meacham & Co. in Philadelphia, is based upon the surveys of C.R. Allen and dedicated to Sir John Douglas Sutherland Campbell, the Governor General of Canada at the time. The atlas contains a total of 31 single-page and 36 double-page maps which are principally lot maps, as well as two double-page maps of Canada, one of Manitoba, an index map to Prince Edward Island, and several maps depicting towns and cities on the island. The lot maps cover the entirety of the island and provide a highly-detailed view of individual properties along with dwellings and the names of each property owner. The scale on these maps is noted in chains - an unusual feature (here 40 chains per inch, equal to about a half mile). Combined with the numerous full-page illustrations of prominent citizens, businesses and properties, the atlas offers an in-depth view of life and commerce on the island. At the end of the atlas is a 25-page patron directory "giving names of the principal professional and business men in the city, towns, and villages." Folio, hardbound in black quarter cloth with tips over pebbled green cloth-covered boards with gilt titling.
References:
Condition: B
The maps and illustrations are good to very good with light toning and occasional staining and soiling. A few of the maps have more moderate staining while lot 17 map (Miscouche) has a few tape repairs along the bottom border on recto. There are a few minor edge tears primarily on the text pages (mostly closed with tape), and the right border of the title page has been trimmed but well away from the text. The hinges are starting and have been reinforced with binder's tape, and the covers are moderately worn and stained.