BOSTON BOOK COMPANY

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TANNER, Henry Schenck. A NEW UNIVERSAL ATLAS Containing Maps of the Various Empires, Kingdoms, States and Republics of the World. With a special Map of each of the United States, Plans of Cities, &c. Comprehended in seventy sheets, and comprising a series of one hundred and seventeen maps, plans and sections. Philadelphia, Published by the Author, 1836. Large folio. [75]ff. First edition. Tanner had pioneered in publishing accurate maps of the United States (New American Atlas, 1823), and now added the rest of the world. Starting with a "Map of the World on the Globular Projection," his Atlas includes all the countries of the world, the 27 states, certain city maps (NY, Philadelphia, Washington) and an attractive chart of the heights of mountains and lengths of rivers. A smaller "New and Elegant Universal Atlas" was planned, but upon finding a great demand, Tanner increased its size and added a number of maps, culminating in the publication of this version. Tanner's scientific bent and his high standards of accuracy contributed to his excellent reputation. His state maps were the most accurate of his time, and he was the first to publish a map of Texas. As he wrote in his prospectus and his introduction, ".. it is usual with most geographers to adopt, without due caution, all that they find in published maps; hence the coincidence observable in their respective publications, which, while it serves to impart a semblance of authority to such works, results too often from a indiscriminate use of obsolete and rejected materials.

Extensive as has been the stock of materials upon which the present work is founded, much additional work has been derived from private sources." It was Tanner's custom to solicit fresh data from all over the country. His prospectus requests "any original geographical information" from "gentlemen residing in the interior." This copy contains the binder's instructions, calling for engraved title page, Author's Notice, Contents, Index, maps 1- 68 (including no. 3 1/2), a prospectus for a Classical Atlas, and a list of maps available from the publisher. The binder has added the prospectus for the "New and Elegant Universal Atlas." The maps themselves are dated 1833-1836. Later editions appeared in 1843, 1844, and 1846. This copy needs to be rebound and is offered as is. The original marbled boards (top board not shown, very worn, with traces of adhesive from tape removal at back-edge and corners) are present but detached; and the backstrip is lacking. The first four leaves, comprising the title-page, author's notice, table of contents, and index, would need some restoration. They are detached, edgeworn, and have heavy vertical creases. The index leaf has a 5 1/2" closed tear that has an old repair (clear tape) on the verso.

The maps, however, have nice contemporary hand-coloring and are generally crisp and fine, with only a few exceptions. The first map, a global projection showing both hemispheres, is slightly dust-soiled; and one bottom corner is clipped just outside the plate mark but nowhere near the map. Two maps, of Germany and of the Austrian Empire, have early ink notations in margin, just entering the map frame in a few places in the latter. Map of the West Indies has a short (1/2") closed edgetear. Map of Sardinia has a small spot of foxing at the bottom. The last two maps, along with the prospectus for a Classical Atlas, the list of maps available from the publisher, and the notice to the binder, are detached but fine. $7,500.00 #76980