Charles Smith (fl.1799-1852) is perhaps best known for the ‘New English Atlas’ first published in 1804. A handsome work, Smith went on to specialise in British publications. In 1822, this quarto sized version of the atlas was published. The scarcity of the work indicates that it was not a great success. Only two examples are recorded; Cambridge University Library and Leeds University Library. There were two engravers involved, Gilbert Jesser Pickett (1787-1867) produced the title page and seventeen of the maps. He had previously contributed some maps for Smith’s ‘New General Atlas’ of 1814. The remainder are the work of William Robert Gardner (fl.1816-29). Worms and Bayton-Williams record a couple of interesting anecdotes about him ‘Bankruptcy proceedings were initiated against him in September 1829, but then ‘The Times’ of 21 September 1829 reported that ‘extensive forgeries had lately been detected’. Gardner, aged about forty and of ‘ a very prepossessing exterior and agreeable manners’, had maintained an opulent lifestyle, but was now thought to have fled the country with perhaps £10,000 obtained with forged bills. He had left home on 29 July 1829 with his eight-year old son, and was later seen at London Docks seeking passage to New York. His wife and three other children were left behind, claiming to know nothing’ (Worms & Baynton-Williams).

Chubb does not record any later edition than the first illustrating how rare this work is in any edition. This is in fact the second edition known, further issues appeared in 1828, 1833 and 1844. Provenance: with pencil ownership inscription of ‘F. Richardson apr 22nd 1903’ on first original blank endpaper; Leslie Aitchison 2003; private English collection. Beresiner (1983) pp. 208-9; Carroll (1996) 82; refer Chubb (1927) 388; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).