A General Atlas, describing the whole universe: being a complete collection of the most approved maps extant; corrected with the greatest care, and augmented from the latest discoveries. ...

Large folio (539 x 385 mm); letterpress title-page calling for thirty-five map sheets printed from sixty-two plates, comprising twenty-three maps: twelve of two map-sheets (each of two plates), one of three plates joined, one of two plates joined and nine double-page, in original outline colour. Some general off setting of ink, and internal creasing and soiling. Antique full mottled calf, six raised bands, gilt tooling and red morocco label with gilt lettering to spine. Some very minor wear to the extremities. London : Robert Sayer,

Sayer’s General Atlas was the most successful British atlas of its day. In response to the considerable demand, it was much reprinted on until about 1808. The contents broadly remained the same during the period the atlas was printed by Sayer, with any changes being limited to re-dating some of the imprints or using substitute wallmaps, with the title-pages periodically redated.

This copy of the atlas has Sayer’s imprint, without date, on the title-page. However, the maps of the British Isles and European Parts of Russia are now dated 1788, the latest date found on any of the sheets.

The geographic coverage of the atlas replicates the 1787 edition, with the maps as described in the previous entry; once again the standard Marcus [i.e. Mostyn John] Armstrong four-sheet map of Scotland is here replaced by Sayer and Bowles wall-map of Scotland, in a state not recorded by Moir, with a joint Carington Bowles / Sayer and Bennett imprint.

While the atlas appeared in a good number of editions, this undated Sayer printing is very scarce.  

References: this edition is unrecorded in ESTC, COPAC and Shirley.

Stock Code: 223851