WITH HUNDREDS OF LARGE FOLIO MAPS OF THE CIVIL WAR: THE ATLAS TO ACCOMPANY THE OFFICIAL RECORDS

COWLES, Calvin D., compiler. An Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1891-95. Three volumes. Large folio (16 by 18-1/2 inches), original red cloth rebacked and recornered in modern red morocco. $11,500.

First edition of this superb atlas, with 175 double-folio plates, containing 821 colored maps and charts, 106 tinted lithographs after original photographs, and 209 line drawings of equipment, uniforms, insignia, and flags.

"The most important work in the literature of the Civil War, the O.R. is the official government compilation of Civil War records, orders, dispatches, messages and correspondence relating to the military operations of the war… The monumental task of compiling records of the Civil War began with a joint resolution of Congress on 19 May 1864 and was continued by many individuals under the supervision of 16 successive secretaries of war" (Eicher 863). This atlas is an indispensable part of the Official Records, but is equally impressive on its own as the most comprehensive collection of maps pertaining to the Civil War. It consists of four sections, the largest of which details military operations in the field. The other sections relate to general topography, the delineation of military divisions and departments, and other miscellaneous topics. The maps, printed in several colors, are remarkably detailed, and the superb battlefield maps (often several to a sheet) specify troop positions and movements. Originally issued in parts, in loose sheets. Errata slip tipped to title page in Volume I. Nicholson, 47.

Plates generally clean, some with minor expert paper repairs to margins, not affecting images. A handsomely bound copy.