"Atlas to Accompany the Monograph on the Tertiary History of the Grand Canon District", Dutton, Clarence Edward

Subject: Grand Canyon, Arizona
Period: 1882 (published)
Color: Printed Color
Size: 11.9 x 9.2

This is the complete quarto edition of Dutton's famous atlas of the Grand Canyon, which is one of the most important works on the region ever produced. It is best known for the stunning illustrations by William H. Holmes and Thomas Moran. Holmes' impressive Panorama From Point Sumblime is shown on three separate sheets (Sheet XV, XVI and XVII) and creates a striking 270 degree panorama of the Grand Canyon (East-South-West). Sheet XVIII, The Transept, Kaibab Division, Grand Canon An Amphitheater of the Second Order, is based upon the classic painting by Thomas Moran, who is probably the artist most associated with the Grand Canyon. The view itself is of a gorge opening into one of the branches of the Bright Angel Canyon in the Kaibab. In addition to these four important views, there are twelve geologic maps of the region (eleven in color) and six other chromolithographs, a title page and table of contents. Lithographed by Julius Bien & Co.

Clarence Dutton started working for the U.S. Geological Survey in 1875 and is best known for his explorations in the Colorado Plateau Province (roughly centered on the four corners region). He wrote several important papers over his career including works on the Grand Canyon, the high plateaus of Utah, as well as the Charleston earthquake of 1886. Harbound in quarter leather with tips over marbled paper boards. Original string ties are present and intact.
Condition: B
The plates are good to mostly very good with a number of small fold separations at the fold junctions and a few edge tears. There is occasional light toning, and the Moran view (#18) has some abrasions along the fold lines from being folded before the plate was dry. Boards are moderately worn and loose as the spine has perished. Original string ties are present and hold the boards in place.