Persuasive Map Showing New York in the “Maelstrom of Alcohol”

"[Map in Book] Map of New York City to Accompany "The Temperance Movement or the Conflict Between Man & Alcohol" [in] The Temperance Movement: or, the Conflict Between Man and Alcohol",

This persuasive map of Manhattan extends up to 114th Street and shows locations with liquor licenses in red overprinting. A note at right states that, as of April 1886, “there were 9,168 licenses to sell intoxicating liquor in force in the city, and 1,000 places, by estimate, were selling without licenses.” This map is featured in the 540-page temperance volume by Henry William Blair, a U.S. Senator, who introduced the first bill to ban liquor. Blair states in the preface that “it is not an exaggeration to say that no other evil known in human history has been of such vast proportions and lamentable consequences as that of alcoholic intemperance.” Accompanying the text and map are numerous portraits, including the author as the frontispiece. This attractive volume is a salesman’s sample copy in three-quarter leather, gilt title on the front cover, all edges gilt, with samples of various bindings pasted onto the inside covers. Subscriber list at the end of the volume is unused.

References: PJ Mode Collection #1098.

Condition: B+

Folding map and text are very good with pleasant light toning. Photographic plates are clean, bright and near fine. Binding is very good with light shelf wear.