Late 18th C. Gibson, J. Atlas Minimus: or, A New Set of Pocket Maps of Various Empires, Kingdoms, and States, with Geographical Extracts Relative to Each. Philadelphia: Printed for Mathew Carey, No. 118 Market Street, April 14, 1798. Small-format atlas containing engraved maps drawn and engraved by J. Gibson, issued by the important early American publisher Mathew Carey. The work presents a series of compact geographical maps of world regions and major political divisions, accompanied by explanatory geographical descriptions. Maps are engraved and hand-colored, typical of late 18th-century pocket atlases intended for educational and reference use. Mathew Carey (1760’1839) was one of the most influential early American printers and map publishers, and his atlases represent some of the earliest widely distributed American cartographic works of the post-Revolutionary period. 5 1/4″ high x 4 1/4″ wide. Provenance: From the estate of Rodney Hilton Brown. Bound in later brown cloth with gilt spine titling. Some rubbing to edges. Interior shows expected age-related toning and wear; institutional markings and call numbers present. Maps appear complete and retain original color.
