Sanson, Nicolas

FIRST EDITION, folio (440 x 320mm.), title with woodcut royal arms, manuscript contents list in a contemporary hand bound in at title, printed contents list, 146 double-page engraved maps numbered in ink on verso (contents list calls for 113 maps), also with 3 small maps pasted on verso of double-page maps or inserted, hand-coloured in outline (cartouches with later added hand-colour), later half vellum over speckled boards, minor browning or staining, some tears and repairs including strengthening (particularly on folding maps), a few maps shaved, light wear to binding

Baron de Lamotte and Bayard de Ferrieres, ink inscriptions on title; Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle, bookplate

NMM 3, 271; cf. Pastoureau VA 1658; Shirley, British Library T.SAN-2a

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Sanson's Cartes generales can be considered the first full French world atlas. It was produced in conjunction with Sanson's associate Pierre Mariette, and dates on individual maps show that the contents were progressively engraved from the late 1630s onwards.

The present copy has more maps than is usual, including a long run of ancient geography. Many of the additional maps are by Nolin, Duval, and de Fer (including Nolin's maps of Canada and America).