This is Dutton's famous atlas and report of the Grand Canyon, which is one of the most important works on the region ever produced. The atlas is best known for the stunning illustrations by William H. Holmes and Thomas Moran. Holmes' impressive Panorama From Point Sumblime is shown on three separate sheets (Sheet XV, XVI and XVII) and creates a striking 270 degree panorama of the Grand Canyon (East-South-West). Sheet XVIII, The Transept, Kaibab Division, Grand Canon An Amphitheater of the Second Order, is based upon the classic painting by Thomas Moran, who is probably the artist most associated with the Grand Canyon. The view itself is of a gorge opening into one of the branches of the Bright Angel Canyon in the Kaibab. In addition to these four important views, there are twelve geologic maps of the region (eleven in color) and six other chromolithographs, a title page and table of contents. Lithographed by Julius Bien & Co. Hardbound in brown cloth with gilt title on front cover.

The atlas is accompanied by Dutton's 264 page report of the region that includes 2 color views after Holmes, 4 photographic plates, and 36 other illustrations interspersed throughout the text including a double-page geological map of the area. The report is introduced by Holmes' color frontispiece entitled "Smithsonian Butte - Valley of the Virgen." Quarto, hardbound in brown cloth with gilt title on spine.

Clarence Dutton started working for the U.S. Geological Survey in 1875 and is best known for his explorations in the Colorado Plateau Province (roughly centered on the four corners region). He wrote several important papers over his career including works on the Grand Canyon, the high plateaus of Utah, as well as the Charleston earthquake of 1886.

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Condition: B+

The atlas is in overall very good condition with pleasant light toning, occasional faint color offsetting, and a few minor edge tears and small separations that have been archivally repaired on verso. A damp stain occupies the bottom corners of the sheets and just barely touches the bottom border of a little over half the sheets. There are new endpapers with some minor repairs to the spine at bottom. Covers are lightly stained and scuffed. The report text and plates are clean and tight with pleasant light toning. The hinges are starting, the spine is sunned with a few chips, and the covers are moderately worn.