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Author: Mitchell, Samuel Augustus
Title: Map of the United States by J.H. Young
Place Published: Philadelphia
Publisher:Published by S. Augustus Mitchell
Date Published: 1831
Description:

Engraved wall map, hand colored. 109x87 cm (43x34¼"), backed with linen, wooden rollers at top and bottom.

Rare first edition of the first wall map issued by Mitchell. The title continues "Philadelphia: S. Augustus Mitchell. Entered According to Act of Congress... October 10th, 1831 by S. Augustus Mitchell." The map was "Engraved by J.H. Young, D. Haines, and F. Dankworth." Rumsey notes that the first edition does not have the counties delineated and numbered, as incorrectly stated by Ristow. The first edition shows more of the western territory than later editions by not having the index of counties. This map is Mitchell and Young's first "original" publication as it predates the Traveler's Guide by one year, although they were both likely published in 1832. Mitchell had previously updated and reissued Finley's American Atlas and Pocket Maps, but this map remains his inaugural cartographic creation.

With three tables: "Statistics of the United States" shows population to 1830 including whites, free blacks, and slaves; "Distances on the Erie and Champlain Canals"; and "Lengths of the Principle Canals in the United States." The two thematic charts are "Comparative Lengths of the Principle Rivers of the United States" and "Comparative Heights of the Principle Mountains and Hills in the United States." Plus six city plans: Boston; New York, Philadelphia; Baltimore & Washington; Vicinity of Charleston; and Vicinity of N. Orleans.

This is one of the earliest steel-engraved maps created in the United States, a process favored by James H. Young. The commercial success of this map propelled his business to a position of dominance in American map making. It also signaled the beginning of the long alliance between Mitchell and the brilliant engraver Young, whose aesthetic sense and precision are beautifully showcased here.

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Some soiling, darkening and rubbing, edge wear, 9x6" stain near bottom, a few lesser stains; very good overall.