The Atlas of the United States created for blind students in 1837.
Two Bostonians set out to change this.
This style features the Roman alphabet pressed into the page so that it was raised and tactile.
The “Atlas of the United States” created for blind students in 1837. (Photo:David Rumsey Map Collection)
The letters were kept simple and lowercase for ease.
By feeling with one’s fingers, the text could be readalthough slowly.
It remained important throughout the 19th century.
New Hampshire’s pages. (Photo:David Rumsey Map Collection)
Even Charles Dickens had 250 copies of hisThe Old Curiosity Shopprinted for Blind readers in the bang out.
Fifty copies of this remarkable work were produced, but only four are extant.
However, the map is available to explore visually or by downloadable 3D modelonline.
Welcome to Michigan! (Photo:David Rumsey Map Collection)
New Hampshire’s pages.
(Photo:David Rumsey Map Collection)
New York is featured too.
New York is featured too. (Photo:David Rumsey Map Collection)
