By Thomas Letts
Published by Hutchinson & Co: London 1889 2nd Edition
Includes 128/152 Maps (missing 24). The missing maps are as follows with all others as per index present:
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16, 18, 23, 30, 36, 37, 38, 43, 53, 58, 64, 66, 67, 68, 74, 85, 86, 96, 131, 132, 133, 134, 147, 148
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Thomas Letts (1804-1873) was a London publisher, stationer, printer and mapseller. Lett's Popular Atlas, edited by Thomas Letts and published in its second edition in 1889 by Hutchinson & Co., is a comprehensive cartographic work that ambitiously charts the entire surface of the globe. Designed for both educational and reference use, the atlas features a wide array of detailed maps, many of which include original elements such as thematic overlays and updated geopolitical boundaries. A standout feature is its extensive consulting index, which catalogs over 23,000 place names, making it an invaluable tool for locating even the most obscure regions. The atlas reflects the Victorian era's fascination with exploration, geography, and imperial reach, offering readers a visual grasp of the world as it was understood at the time.
Beyond its geographic utility, the atlas is a testament to 19th-century publishing craftsmanship. The maps are printed in both full and outline color, bound in half-leather with gilt embossing, and presented in a format that balances elegance with practicality. The inclusion of special annotations—such as earthquake zones or colonial holdings—adds layers of historical and scientific insight. As a product of the Letts publishing legacy, which began with diaries and expanded into atlases, this volume captures a moment when cartography was not just a science but a cultural statement of global awareness and national pride."
Contents sits loose leaf inside the cover. Includes 128/152 maps with missing maps documented in description. Most maps in very good condition with a few having some damage or edge chipping. The index pages at the back of the book are loose, many edge chipped and have not been collated. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
