Vandermaelen, Philippe

Atlas universel de géographie physique, politique, statistique et minéralogique sur l'échelle de 1/1641836 ou d'une ligne par 1900 toises. Brussels: [P.M.G. Vandermaelen,] 1827



6 volumes, folio (21 1/8 x 14 in.; 536 x 355 mm). Seven lithographed index maps, one chart of comparative altitudes of mountains, and 382 double-page lithographed maps by Henri Ode, hand-colored in outline; lower outer blank corners of first 3 leaves in vol. 1 renewed without loss, some foxing on titles, text leaves, on general map of North America, and on Asia no. 8 (part of Russia), but the other maps are generally clean and crisp. Contemporary green straight-grain morocco, gold-tooled border and corners; worn, backstrips detached (a few preserved) or torn, edges and covers scuffed.

Onondaga Historical Association (bookplate and stamps on endleaves only)

Philips, Atlases 747

6 volumes, folio (21 1/8 x 14 in.; 536 x 355 mm). Seven lithographed index maps, one chart of comparative altitudes of mountains, and 382 double-page lithographed maps by Henri Ode, hand-colored in outline; lower outer blank corners of first 3 leaves in vol. 1 renewed without loss, some foxing on titles, text leaves, on general map of North America, and on Asia no. 8 (part of Russia), but the other maps are generally clean and crisp. Contemporary green straight-grain morocco, gold-tooled border and corners; worn, backstrips detached (a few preserved) or torn, edges and covers scuffed.
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.

First edition of this atlas offering the largest picture of the earth's surface available in the 19^th century, and the first atlas produced by lithography. The work is especially important for its large scale coverage of developing areas, including the American West.

The atlas was intended to form the first map of the world on a uniform scale. The maps are constructed as a modified conical projection and, if assembled, would form a globe with a diameter of 23 ¼ feet or 7 ¾ meters. Only one such globe is recorded as having been made, by the author, requiring a specially designed room.