This work by Henry George Collins (fl.1850-58) is one of only two known examples, the other residing at the British Library (Maps 1.aa.6). The maps are lithographic transfers taken from one engraved plate of England and Wales, and another on a different scale of Scotland. Both are engraved by Joshua Archer (1792?-1863) whose name appears on the larger map, but not on these transfers. That map is found in a later state as a lithographic transfer in ‘Collins’ Indestructible Atlas of the Earth’ and ‘Collins’ One Shilling Atlas of the World’, both published in 1858. It is likely used in other works also. The maps either contain an individual county or groups thereof and extend beyond the county borders. The index at the front lists as many as three maps for each county. The explanation states that each map covers 70 by 100 miles, Scotland is represented at 45 by 70 miles.

Collins’ early career in books included various partnerships, a bankruptcy in June 1839, and spending four months in jail for embezzlement in 1847. Interestingly the engraver Joshua Archer, was also declared bankrupt in 1835 and imprisoned for debt himself in July 1845.

Collins then began map publishing, employing Anthony la Riviere as a lithographer. He was an acquisitor of old plates issuing those of Cole-Roper, Robert Rowe, Thomas Dix, and Henry Teesdale. Most of the published atlases by Collins are exceedingly rare. This work had a particular emphasis on railway lines depicted by solid black lines; indeed no roads are shown at all. Hills are hachured, rivers, and towns are present. The date of 1852 is ascribed to it based on the acquisition date of the British Library example.

Collins’ business failed in 1857. ‘An indenture dated 23 Nov 1857 made over all his assets to George Chater, wholesale stationer, and Ephraim Brain, printer, on behalf of his creditors. His plates, copyrights, entire stock and the Paternoster Row lease were sold at auction 15 Jan 1858’ (Worms & Baynton-Williams). Provenance: Tony Burgess collection; Kit Batten collection c.2010. Batten & Bennett (2010) 127; Beresiner (1983) pp. 90-2; Burden (1994) 112; Burgess (2009) 155; Carroll (1996) 119; Chubb (1927) 535; Tooley’s Dictionary (1999-2004); King (2024) 1852; Kingsley (1982) 119A; Smith (1985) XVIII; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).