This important and complete atlas is the very rare first edition of Greenleaf's atlas, which was a reissue of David Burr's 1836 edition of A New Universal Atlas. Small changes were made throughout, including the removal of Burr's imprint and the copyright notice (with the erasures still visible on a few maps), as well as the addition of new railroads and counties. Greenleaf also added two new maps, Texas and Wisconsin and Iowa, which underwent several iterations through the various editions of Greenleaf's atlas.

The map of Texas features an independent Republic of Texas. The map is based upon Burr’s map of 1833, which was the first to show the territorial claims that would eventually become the Republic. Greenleaf's map depicts the boundary between Texas and Mexico along the Rio Grande, with the border counties named with both their old Spanish and new names. The northern boundary is shown along the Red River rather than the Arkansas River. Although this map does not extend to include the panhandle, it is one of the earliest to delineate Texas counties rather than the empressario grants. Counties are up to date for 1838, with the newly organized Fannin and Galveston, but just prior to the organization of Harrison, which is delineated by color but not named. Milam County stretches all the way to the western border of the map. Development is confined to areas to the east of San Antonio and Austin, with the areas to the west void of detail except for the river system and the locations of a few Indian tribes. Portions of Indian Territory, Arkansas and Louisiana are also shown.

The map of Wisconsin and Iowa extends from Missouri Territory (just west of the Missouri River) to Lake Michigan, and as far south as the northern border of the state of Missouri. The map was published just a few years before Iowa was admitted as a state, and county development is confined along the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. Outside of the developed areas, numerous Indian tribes are located, including the Chippeways, New York Indians, and Iowas, and the river system is depicted in good detail. A large, triangular Carvers Tract is shown in present-day eastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Heirs of Jonathan Carver, who is known for his explorations in the area, contended that the Sioux Indians had signed a deed granting Carver 10,000 square miles of land. The descendants petitioned the U.S. Congress for legal rights to the land, but Congress determined in 1823 that the deed had never existed. Regardless, unscrupulous descendants and agents continued to sell portions of "Carver's Grant" for decades.

The atlas contains a total of 65 maps covering the world and continents with 38 maps relating to the Americas and 26 specific to the United States. Cartographically, the map of the United States shows the western frontier consisting of Missouri Territory, Indian Territory, Iowa Territory, and the Republic of Texas. In the north, the large Carver's Tract is delineated in present-day Wisconsin. The atlas features an early map dedicated to Oregon Territory that encompasses present-day Washington and extends well north into British Columbia, reflecting U.S. interests in the region. Additionally, there are numerous state maps showing early county development including Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Mississippi to name a few. Accompanying the map of New York state is the Map of the Country Twenty Five Miles Round the City of New-York. There are 11 pages of text at the end with a brief description of each continent and statistical details on the key cities of the world. Folio, hardbound in quarter black leather with tips over brown paper covered boards with "Atlas" stamped in gold on spine and a printed circular label on front cover that reads: "Jeremiah Greenleaf's Universal Atlas."

This edition is not listed in Sabin or Phillips, the latter of which only lists the 1842 edition. This first edition is very rare, as we were only able to find one previous auction result for the 1840 edition in the last 30 years.

References: Rumsey #4850.

Condition: B+

The maps are in very good to near fine condition, with full original wash color, minor toning, and an occasional spot of foxing or soiling. The text block is somewhat loose, with the first few signatures nearly separated from the rest of the text block. There is a chip at bottom right on the title page and preceding end sheet, and a chunk has been cut from the front free endpaper. The covers are moderately worn and stained, with some scuffing and small abrasions. A very nice example that would benefit greatly from some professional rebinding.