Johann George Schreiber’s Atlas selectus: editions and dating

Abstract The author of this paper sets out to identify and date the individual editions of Atlas selectus that were published in Leipzig by Johann George Schreiber and his heirs. The paper is based on the analysis of maps and printed registers from 27 unique editions of the atlas. After a brief summary of Schreiber’s non-cartographic activity, the atlas is presented and dating of its eight editions is proposed, from 1741 to the end of the 18th century. Some special editions of the atlas are also identified and briefly described. The estimated production rate of maps in Schreiber’s workshop is compared with earlier research. Finally, a few misconceptions concerning Schreiber and his cartography are clarified.