THE OFFICIAL STATE ATLAS OF KANSAS: Compiled from Government Surveys, County Records and Personal Investigations (BINDING COPY)

Philadelphia: L. H. Everts & Co, 1887. First Edition. Hardcover. Collectible Poor. 1st printing. Huge quarto original one-half cloth & leather. 339pps. This is a fabulous volume. BUT THIS IS A "BINDING COPY" WITH THREE PRELIM LEAVES MISSING, BOARDS DETACHED, NEEDS REBINDING AND RESTORATION WORK IF BUYER WANTS TO RESTORE IT: PLEASE READ DETAILS AT END OF THIS LISTING. Here is what William Reese (Six Score #83) said of it in his bibliography of 150 best ranching books: "These atlases were designed so that pages could be tipped in. I doubt that any two copies are exactly alike. Pagination through page 340 (this copy 339 with verso blank), although there are many unnumbered pages of views. There are over 300 colored maps, views depicting over 350 scenes, and as many as 25 folding tissue maps interleave, as well as unpaginated text. 44.5 x 38 cm." (15" x 18"). Reese continues: "This massive compilation contains a vast wealth of information on Kansas at the time of publication. Many of the views depict stock ranches, which are also located on the extremely detailed maps. There are many bird's-eye views of towns and sights. Much of the accompanying text is devoted to listing the leading citizens of the state, their property, what kind of livestock they raise, and even what kind of fencing they use. The Everts' atlas is an important source for much information, with illustrations existing nowhere else. A similar atlas was issued for Nebraska by the same firm. The numerous state and county atlases of the late nineteenth century, usually sold by subscription, often contain the best illustrations and maps available." I have collated this copy and matched against my very good copy presently offered for sale. There are theoretically 339 maps (some fine thin paper foldout maps, some on one page, and some multiple to a page). Five numbered maps are "missing" but were not even indexed. My vg copy has the same except it has four "missing," same four! So with one exception this is a qualified "all maps present." Now the BAD NEWS accounting for the low price I am offering this copy for: Original boards present but detached. Spine gone. Three preliminary leaves missing, namely: Preface, Table of Populations, Contents (Index to Counties and Towns, First 2 of 3 pages listing Illustrations. HOWEVER, FROM MY GOOD COPY I WILL MAKE FINE JPEG PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE THREE MISSING LEAVES (6 pps) that may will be sent to the buyer as digital files and can be printed off or simply referred to on a computer. So buyer will have all information. Title page & remaining prelim pages detached. Title page badly chipped. One page / map at rear torn in half but present. Interior in vg condition with few chips/tears. Front board adds in gold, "THE GUARANTY INVESTMENT CO., FRANK H. WILSON, GENL. MGR. ATCHISON, KANSAS." On front paste down is this inscription in ink: "S G Guerrier Compliments of L M Davis. This is the second copy I have offered for sale in nearly 35 years of selling books on the Old West. This is a very heavy volume and will be shipped at cost, above the default shipping price. Insurance must be added. Several photos available upon request.