Catalog Archive
Auction 168, Lot 719

"Johnson's New Illustrated Family Atlas of the World, with Physical Geography, and with Descriptions Geographical, Statistical, and Historical...", Johnson, A. J.

Subject: Atlases

Period: 1867 (published)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.9 x 18.6 inches
37.8 x 47.2 cm
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This complete atlas contains 58 beautifully rendered maps, consisting of 33 double-page and 25 single-page maps. There are several thematic maps and diagrams interspersed throughout the text that display the geology, weather, tides, agriculture, flags and animal kingdoms of the world. The steel-engraved frontispiece is a lovely view of the US Capitol. This atlas also features the double-page Civil War map Vicinity of Richmond.

This edition includes the Southwest map depicting the original four counties of Yavapai, Mohave, Yuma, and Pima in the newly organized Arizona Territory, with Prescott as the capital. The Utah/Nevada border is now at 114° and Arizona and Nevada have their final borders. Early historical details include the Pony Express and United States Mail routes, the emigrant roads to California, and the proposed southern railroad route.

The double-page map of Texas shows county development mostly in eastern Texas and only the four large counties of Young, El Paso, Presidio and Bexar in the west. The panhandle, noted as the Staked Plain … without Wood or Water, includes a large section that is unorganized. There is nice depiction of the wagon roads, many named, with several completed railroads. The inset maps are 'Northern part of Texas' and 'Plan of Galveston Bay.'

The double-page map of Nebraska, Dakota, Idaho and Montana shows a very early rendering of Wyoming Territory, organized in 1868. Idaho is shown taking up the present-day Wyoming region south of Jackson Hole. With the exception of the southwestern border, Montana is correctly formed which, along with Wyoming, was previously contained in a large Idaho territory. Dakota Territory, from which Wyoming was formed, remains undivided. There is excellent detail throughout with scores of place names, roads, watershed, topography, the Emigrant Road, forts, springs, routes of exploration and proposed railroads. The route of the Pony Express & U.S. Mail Route through Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska is delineated.

Folio. 137 pp., frontispiece, 58 maps, and charts depicting mountains and rivers of the world, thematic maps, flags, and coats of arms. Hardbound in original quarter leather with tips and beige cloth, embossed covers with gilt titles on cover and spine.

References:

Condition: B+

The maps are generally very good with light toning, scattered foxing, and a few minor edge tears in the bottom blank margin. The map of England/Wales has a 3" fold separation at bottom. Both hinges are starting and there is a chip at the top of the spine. Covers have typical wear and staining.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300

Sold for: $750

Closed on 6/6/2018

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