Atlas - From the Royal Library of Louis Philippe in Neuilly - Lot 606

Atlas - From the Royal Library of Louis Philippe in Neuilly - Large paper copy KEITH JOHNSTON (Alexander) The National Atlas of Historical, Commercial, and Political Geography, constructed from the most recent and authentic sources, by Alexander Keith Johnston, F. R. G. S. accompanied by Maps and illustrations of the Physical Geography of the Globe by Dr Heinrich Berchaus (...) and an ethnographic map of Europe by Dr Gustaf Kombst. Edinburgh, Johnstone ; Johnston ; Glasgow, Lumsden & son ; Weir ; London, Simpkin, Marshall, & co () ; Dublin, Cumming, 1846. Large in folio: 5f., 46 large double-page maps, 5f. Contours enhanced in color. Copy on large paper. Mirrored title page with long handwritten statement framed in gilt fillets with fleurons in spandrels: "To His Most Gracious Majesty, Louis Philippe the First, King of the French. May it please Your Majesty, as one of the Publishers of the National Atlas, I venture to solicit the honour of Your Majesty's permission to place this copy of that Work in the Royal Library at Neuilly, as a small mark of gratitude for and in commemoration of the distinguished honour, which, in my person, Your Majesty was pleased, on a late occasion, to confer on the city of Glasgow. James Lumsden (...) Glasgow, 15 september 1846. " Superb contemporary green morocco, richly decorated ribbed spine, large gilt garland framed with gilt fillets and irons on wide bevelled boards, cabochons on corners, royal crown at center of boards, gilt fillet on edges, large inner gilt garland, beige moiré silk endpapers, moss green endpapers with gilt stars, slight rubbing, superbly chased gilt edges. A very fine copy. First edition. Prestigious copy on large paper in excellent condition. Provenance: Handwritten mention of James Lumsden (1778-1856), Scottish stationer and Lord Provost of Glasgow. James Lumsden, engraver and publisher. Their family publishing house J. Lumsden and Son was founded in 1783. He served on Glasgow City Council from 1833 and was elected Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1843 to 1846. His most important achievement as Lord Provost was the creation of the Glasgow School of Design. He is buried in Glasgow Cathedral Cemetery.