1829. · Philadelphia
by Tanner, Henry S.
Philadelphia: Published by Henry S. Tanner, 1829.. Engraved map, handcolored in outline, in sections backed on linen. Sheet size: 50 x 63 inches. Engraved by H.S. Tanner, assisted by E.B. Dawson, W. Allen, and J. Knight, with integral decorative title vignette after J.W. Steel. The map is surrounded by numerous small panels including two extensions to the area covered by the map, six more-detailed maps of environs of various eastern cities, eight city plans, a number of elevation profiles of railroads and waterways, and two tables of statistics. Rebacked on linen, expertly conserved by the Green Dragon Bindery. Silk lining edges. Lightly and evenly toned. A very nice copy. In a modern half morocco portfolio, stamped in gilt. The first edition of Tanner's spectacular and very beautiful large-scale map from "the Golden Age of American Mapmaking." The 1829 first edition of this map is described by Rumsey as "one of the best early large maps of the United States and the premier map for its period" (Rumsey 975). The map shows the United States from the Atlantic ocean to what today is western Kansas (noted as "Kanzas" on map). To the west of Michigan Territory and Missouri large areas of land include the locations of numerous Indian tribes but are designated as "Districts" rather than Territories: District of Huron, Sioux District, Mandan District, Osage District and Ozark District. Also included are canals, railroads, "McAdamized" roads and proposed canals and railroads. One of the most attractive and interesting aspects of the map are the numerous insets: these include sixteen inset city and regional maps (Environs of Albany; Environs of Boston; Environs of New York; Environs of Philadelphia and Trenton; Environs of Baltimore and Washington; Cincinnati; Charleston; New Orleans; South Part of Florida; Washington; Baltimore; Philadelphia; New York; Boston; Pittsburgh & Environs; Oregon and Mandan Districts [8 x 13 inches, with a further inset 'Outlet of Oregon River']) the border of the main map also includes fourteen profiles of portages, canals, and railroads and two tables in the lower right corner: Statistics of the Western Districts, and Statistics of the United States. According to Tooley, H.S. Tanner is "thought to be the first native- born American to devote his career to publishing," and he is responsible for some of the most important maps of the United States to be published in the 19th century.
The Streeter copy sold to Henry Stevens for $270 in 1969. AMERICAN IMPRINTS 40603. PHILLIPS, MAPS, p.885 (ref). RUMSEY 975. STREETER SALE 3835. HOWES T28. RISTOW, pp.191-98. SABIN 94318. SCHWARTZ & EHRENBERG, p.253 ("Twice as detailed as Melish's map of 1816"). WHEAT TRANSMISSISSIPPI II, 390, p.94 (illustrated), p.96. (Inventory #: WRCAM47347A)
The Streeter copy sold to Henry Stevens for $270 in 1969. AMERICAN IMPRINTS 40603. PHILLIPS, MAPS, p.885 (ref). RUMSEY 975. STREETER SALE 3835. HOWES T28. RISTOW, pp.191-98. SABIN 94318. SCHWARTZ & EHRENBERG, p.253 ("Twice as detailed as Melish's map of 1816"). WHEAT TRANSMISSISSIPPI II, 390, p.94 (illustrated), p.96. (Inventory #: WRCAM47347A)