This small and attractive atlas was first published November 1748 in thirteen weekly parts by a consortium of nine publishers. No copy of this version survives and it seems likely that Thomas Jefferys and Thomas Kitchin took over the project at an early date. At some point before the publication of the second edition in 1751 alterations were made to some of the plates. Although this is an undated edition c.1775 is deduced from the imprint. Robert Sayer was joined in partnership by John Bennett in 1774 and it is likely this work which is referred to in Sayer’s Catalogue of 1775. Sayer no doubt acquired his shares in the work directly from Jefferys following his bankruptcy in 1766. The reason for the delay in a new edition may have been the impetus created by John Bennett’s partnership. There is widespread revision to the plates as detailed by Hodson in his study. For this edition the general map of the roads is replaced by one of the rivers of England. The atlas proved popular, running to 6 editions, with various changes and additions, the last being in 1787. Provenance: Bookplate of Roy H. Johnstone; his sale Sotheby’s 20.9.01 lot 6; private English collection. Hodson (1984-97) no. 211; refer Shirley (2004) T.Kit 2b (not in BL).