Text volume: [2], xiv, 264 pp. Illustrated with 2 chromolithograph views after W.H. Holmes, 4 heliotype plates after photographs, and 36 other plates including a color double-page map, many other double-page charts, and views after Thomas Moran and H.H. Nichols. (4to) 29x23 cm (11½x9"), original calf cloth, rebacked and recornered with modern calf, original leather spine labels. Atlas Volume: Title-page, contents list, & 22 double-page plates, including color lithographed maps, lithographs of the canyon by W.H. Holmes, a striking chromolithograph by Thomas Moran, etc. (folio) 50.5x44.5 cm (20x17½, original gilt-lettered cloth.
A magnificent collection of maps and views that has elicited superlatives from every critic, and is certainly worthy of Francis Farquhar's description of it as "one of the greatest if not the greatest of all Grand Canyon books." The atlas, titled "Atlas to Accompany the Monograph of the Tertiary History of the Grand Cañon District," is generally lauded for the striking panoramic views, including the stunning chromolithograph after Thomas Moran, but it is at least equally important for the detailed color geologic maps.
Provenance: Randall, 4/85
Condition:
Atlas with some wear to covers, front joint and hinge cracked; light dampstain to lower margin of atlas leaves at the gutter, just intruding into some of the images; plate 18, the Moran chromolithograph, with slight adhesion damage at the lower edge of the gutter (such damage often occurs - this is much less than usual). Very good overall