TANNER, HENRY SCHENCK. A New American Atlas Containing Maps of the Several States of the North American Union. Half-title, engraved vignette title-page, index, 18 pages and 18 double-page and folding maps with original hand-coloring. Large folio, 23 1/2x16 inches, full contemporary calf rebacked, moderate wear; dampstaining to title and sheet edges, maps with offsetting and occasional light soiling, lower centerfolds to several maps split or repaired, large folding map of North America with several repairs, irregular edge folds, and separations along original linen backing. Philadelphia, 1825
Tanner's atlas received deserved contemporary praise for its clarity, attractiveness and attention in particular to American detail. The atlas took a prolonged and enormous effort to complete, but resulted in one of the most magnificent American atlases published in the early nineteenth century and "greatly enhanced Tanner's reputation as a publisher of cartographic works" (Ristow). Tanner, surely proud of his achievement, closes his Geographical Memoir to the atlas: "If I have in any measure succeeded in the object of my humble but earnest endeavours, of presenting to my fellow citizens an accurate and complete geographical view of this highly-favoured portion of the world, for the attaiment [sic]of which no exertions on my part have been withheld, nor any expense thought too great; I shall never regret the personal inconveniences to which an inadequate capital has sometimes subjected me, during the execution of the expensive and laborious work". Ristow 191-198.
