Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa

Iowa City: State Historical Society of Iowa, n.y.. Hardcover. 4to. Full brown leatherette with gilt lettering and medallion. xvi, 580pp. Extensive maps, illustrations, map endpapers. Fine. Superb and tight if undated (1970) facsimile reprint of this large classic 1875 reference, originally released in a bewildering variety that differed by congressional district, offering slightly differing lithographs. This fine facsimile is ably introduced and placed in context by noted Iowa historian William J. "Steamboat Bill" Petersen. Alfred T. Andreas (1839-1900) is most often remembered for his 3-volume "History of Chicago" and other state and county histories. This copy bears a handsome and choice autograph philatelic addition: Tipped to blank leaf facing title page is a First Day Cover for the 1988 "Iowa Territory, 1838" 15-cent preprinted postal card, 5¼" X 3½", cancelled in Burlington, Iowa on 2 July 1988 and with "First Day of Issue" so stamped. Never addressed nor mailed. In the "sweet spot" near center, the stamp's designer, artist Greg Hargreaves, signs large and bold in black fineline. Tipped alongside this is the cancellation portion of the envelope in which this postal card was transmitted, cancelled in Waterloo, Iowa, on 17 August 1988.