Morse, Sidney, E. and Samuel Breese.

The Cerographic Bible Atlas. New York: Sidney E. Morse, 1844, title taken from printed upper cover, 5 wax-engraved maps, coloured



Together 2 works in one volume, folio (430 x 350mm.), original boards, 2 plans of Sebastopol attached to paste-down endpapers,
[Phillips, Atlases 3221; Ristow, American Maps & Mapmakers, p.154], maps spotted, binding worn 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The first cerographic atlas of the United States

Cerography, a process of wax-engraving, was invented in 1834 by Sidney E. Morse and Henry A. Munson. This process was much less expensive than copper-plate engraving, but the resulting maps were of inferior quality.

"To publicize his invention and its products, Morse, in collaboration with Samuel Breese, compiled a series of thirty-two maps which were issued as supplements to the New-York Observer... Thus, between 1842 and 1845 the Observer printed map supplements that were then assembled to form the Cerographic Atlas of the United States" (Ristow).

In 1845 this was republished as Morse's North American Atlas with changes to some maps and also colour added. The uncommon maps of Oregon and Iowa which are present here are not in the later issues.