ROBERT DE VAUGONDY, Didier (1723-1786) Atlas Universel. Paris: By the author and Boudet, 1757.
2 volumes, folio (515 x 340 mm). Engraved allegorical title by Charles Baquoy after J. Oger, 103 double-page engraved maps (including 3 folding maps), all hand-colored in outline; avertissment leaf, 17 leaves of descriptive text, 3 leaves of subscriber's names, manuscript list of plates to vol.II. (A few short marginal tears, a few maps with tears to centerfold crossing image, occasional creasing, staining or browning.) Contemporary half diced russia, marbled boards (upper cover to vol.I detached, spine to vol.I perished, joints starting, overall wear). FIRST EDITION, with maps dating 1749-1756, and with 8 maps relating to the Americas. This copy with all 103 maps as listed in the contents (each numbered and stencilled on verso), but without the optional 5 maps of post roads present in some copies which were available to subscribers for an additional cost of 6 livres. Robert de Vaugondy's Atlas Universel was the most modern atlas of its time, incorporating information from the most recent explorations; the maps of the North American territories, California, and Australia were the most accurate available. The map of Virginia and Maryland is based on Fry and Jefferson's map, and the maps of Canada and South America are based on material held by the Depot de la Marine. Phillips 619; Sabin 71863.
Provenance: James Yorke (1730-1808), British Clergyman, Bishop of Ely (signatures, bookplate noting his bequest dated 1808); Ely Episcopal Library (bookplate, shelfmark on flyleaf).
