Colton, George Woolworth

Colton's Atlas of the World, Illustrating Physical and Political Geography. Accompanied by Descriptions Geographical, Statistical, and Historical, by Richard Swainson Fisher, M. D. New York: J. H. Colton, 1856



2 volumes, folio (18 1/2 x 16 in.; 470 x 406 mm). Additional engraved title in vol. 1, engraved frontispiece by F. A. Chapman after C. Wise in vol. 2, 103 maps and city plans (96 handcolored, 5 double-page), occasional foxing or spotting to text and a few plates, top margin of one plate dampstained. Publisher's blocked puce cloth, gilt vignettes after Wise's engraving on upper covers, repeated in blind on the lower covers, black morocco spines lettered gilt, coated yellow endpapers, marbled edges; joints rubbed, corners bumped, endpapers a little foxed, upper hinge in vol. 1 starting, spine head of vol. 1 torn.

2 volumes, folio (18 1/2 x 16 in.; 470 x 406 mm). Additional engraved title in vol. 1, engraved frontispiece by F. A. Chapman after C. Wise, 103 maps and city plans (96 handcolored, 5 double-page), occasional foxing or spotting to text and a few plates, top margin of one plate dampstained. Publisher's blocked puce cloth, gilt vignettes after Wise's engraving on upper covers, repeated in blind on the lower covers, black morocco spines lettered gilt, coated yellow endpapers, marbled edges; joints rubbed, corners bumped, endpapers a little foxed, upper hinge in vol. 1 starting, spine head of vol. 1 torn.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This 1856 edition includes changes to the maps of Texas, New Mexico, and Utah. Colton's maps are characterized by borders embellished with intertwining vines. His firm continued to use copperplate and steel engraving rather than the faster and less expensive process of lithography in order to compete with the high quality atlases produced in Europe.