FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE. John Walker (1787-1873) and his brother Charles Walker (1799?-1872) inherited the engraving firm of their father, John Walker I (fl.1783-1831) who was chiefly known for his work with the Admiralty. The ‘British Atlas’ commenced production early in 1835, shortly after completion of the engraving work for the large folio Greenwood atlas. No doubt taking advantage of the success of that atlas and the financial difficulties that the Greenwoods found themselves in.

The latest date found is the 1 March 1837 which is on the Derbyshire map and on the titlepage. It was jointly published with Longman, Rees & Co. The title dedicates the work to their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria. On the 20 June 1837, King William IV died, and Princess Victoria ascended the throne. The title page was immediately corrected to reflect the new monarch. This is an example of the true first issue of the atlas available for a very short time only.

It proved to be a popular atlas with several editions up to 1880. Originally the atlas was issued with 47 maps as here; those of Scotland and Ireland were added later. In 1850 lithographic transfers were made in partnership with William Hobson to create ‘Hobson’s Fox Hunting Atlas’, another atlas which was successful. A later use still was by Lett’s, Son and Co. in 1884. A fine example of an atlas which in its true first edition is very scarce. Provenance: acquired by Donald Hodson in 1969. Carroll (1996) 105; Chubb 476 (citing one known copy at CUL); Beresiner (1983) pp. 232-3; Smith (1982) pp. 213-5; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).