Letts’s Popular Atlas, London, circa 1880 ; 49 original maps near complete disbound atlas Large and coherent group of 49 original map plates from Letts’s Popular Atlas, published in London by Letts Son & Co in the late nineteenth century, around 1880 to 1890. This is a well balanced and substantial atlas set with strong visual appeal and wide geographical coverage. Letts was a respected British publisher, known for producing accessible and well executed atlases during the Victorian period. This atlas reflects the expansion of geographical knowledge at the time, combining detailed engraving, clear typography and decorative colouring. The lot includes 49 plates from the same atlas, all consistent in format and style. Plate numbering follows the publisher’s system; some sheets share the same number, as originally issued. World and general maps World map and hemispheres Celestial maps and star charts Europe is particularly well represented with maps of France Germany and Austria Switzerland Italy Spain and Portugal Scandinavia Russia Belgium and the Netherlands British Isles Several plates include detailed urban inset plans, notably Berlin Brussels Vienna Madrid Saint Petersburg Other regions covered Africa including a general map and South Africa Egypt and the Near East Ottoman Empire India and parts of Asia Australia and New Zealand The Americas include Dominion of Canada United States in two sections West Indies Some thematic plates are present, including ocean currents and geological mapping. Condition Typical condition for a disbound atlas of this period. Original central folds present on all plates Light to moderate foxing and age toning Edge wear and occasional creasing Some plates with old restorations or backing repairs A few maps show more noticeable defects such as repaired tears The set remains complete as a working group and visually attractive overall. Disbound atlas removed from its original binding All plates belong to the same edition Total of 49 maps The set forms a coherent and near complete atlas with strong decorative and historical interest. Suitable for collectors, framing or reassembly. A solid late nineteenth century atlas set with consistent quality, good presence and broad geographical scope. Sets of this size and coherence are not commonly offered. The photographs are an integral part of the description and reflect the condition accurately. Careful packaging. Maps will be grouped in batches of approximately 10, protected in tissue paper and shipped flat between rigid boards.