Revenstein's plastischer Schul Atlas. 8 framed maps in relief enclosed in the original box with elaborately chromolithographed paper label

Ravenstein, Friedrich August (1809-81). Plastischer Schul-Atlas für die erste Stufe des Unterrichts in der Erdkunde. Set of 8 colored relief maps printed on light pasteboard, in the original cardboard drop-side box (expertly repaired) with polychrome paper label, preserved in a cloth drop-side box with acetate window in the lid. Frankfurt am Main: B. Dondorf, 1854. 235 x 282 mm. (maps); 245 x 295 mm. (box). Raised areas of maps a bit worn, box label a bit soiled and rubbed, but a very good set of this fragile atlas.

Third edition, complete with the rare original box featuring a highly decorative polychrome label on the lid, with inner label serving as the set's "title-page" and key to the maps. Ravenstein, an innovative German cartographer, was the first to produce and publish commercially viable relief maps, issuing the first edition of his "Plastic" (i.e., relief) atlas in 1838. The atlas, intended as a teaching tool, was a considerable success, going through several editions up until the late 19th century; it was also issued in English and French versions. The set includes maps of Germany, Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Australia, together with an "Ideal-Bild" illustrating the maps' various cartographic features. Due to their fragility, examples of this atlas are scarce.