The FIRST EDITION FIRST ISSUE of Herman Moll’s first English County atlas is of some considerably rarity. One of only four known examples. The maps alone were issued as an atlas entitled ‘A Set of Fifty New and Correct Maps of England and Wales’ in the same year. From an analysis of the contemporary records it appears that sales of the ‘New Description’ were disappointing. Soon after publication plate numbers were added to the maps to ease their placement in the atlas. The ‘New Description’ no doubt was available for some years and therefore true early issues of the atlas are very rare. The maps are all decorated with marginal panels of local antiquities. Each one is accompanied by several pages of descriptive text. A very clean smart example of a rare atlas. Provenance: Christie’s 17 December1969 lot 60 £220, to Charles Traylen for Lord Wardington. Chubb CLX; Hodson 173.