"J.C. French's subscription book, Cambridge, Mass. Jared Sparks (President of Harvard) is the first subscriber, followed by C.S. Cartee, and other eminent men. This book reveals that the Atlas was published in 27 parts starting in 1854, and was still available in parts in 1855 (see news articles in rear). Prices, bindings, coloring detailed. Apparently the atlas was only available by subscription in 1854, '55, '56, and part of '57. The list ends in 1857, perhaps indicating that the marketing changed, or that Mr. French went on to other pursuits. Book bound in full red leather with 'Colton's Atlas' in gilt on cover"--David Rumsey Collection catalog. Includes pages of clippings of reviews and announcements from the City Advertiser (Nov. 15, 1854), the Daily Evening Traveller, the Bunker Hill Aurora (Mar. 31, 1855) and the Boston Post.