Elements of Geography: Containing a concise and comprehensive view of that useful science, as divided onto, 1. Astronomical 2. Physical or Natural 3. Political Geography, on a new plan... Illustrated with a neat Map of the United States, and a beauti...

Title: Elements of Geography: Containing a concise and comprehensive view of that useful science, as divided onto, 1. Astronomical 2. Physical or Natural 3. Political Geography, on a new plan... Illustrated with a neat Map of the United States, and a beautiful Chart of the whole World Author: Morse, Jedidiah Place: Boston Publisher: I. Thomas and E.T. Andrews Date: 1795 Description: 143 pp. With 2 folding engraved maps. (24mo) 12.8x7.5 cm (5x3"), period leather backed wooden boards covered with marbled paper. First Edition. Very rare first edition of this little geography for children, with two engraved folding maps. The maps are: Chart of the World on Mercators Projection. 11.5x16 cm (with top right corner torn off affecting border, short tear) Map of the United States of America. 11.7x13 cm. Warren Heckrotte observes: "The introduction states that this is one of a series of books. The first, Astronomical and Geographical Catechism, is for ages under eight; this book for ages 8-14; Geography made Easy for the higher classes in schools; and The American Universal Geography for colleges and private families. I have the last three. I can find no record for the first." Provenance: Andover Books, San Francisco Book Fair, 2/91 References: Sabin 50935. Wheat & Brun, 26, 124 for maps. Lot Amendments Condition: Binding quite worn, much of the marbled paper covering gone, top corner of front cover broken off, joints cracked; some browning to contents, top edge of title page clipped, apparently taking of an owner's signature; good condition. Item number: 271870