Alexander Keith Johnston (1804-1871) was a Scottish geographer who, after his academic training at the University of Edinburgh, developed his professional skills as an engraver. He eventually partnered with his brother, William, to found the renowned cartographical company of W. and A.K. Johnston in 1826. This world atlas was among the finest published in England in the 19th century. Its map of North America reflects contemporary US political changes - depicting Colorado as a Territory - something found rarely in US atlases until 1862. Additionally, the map features Nevada and a horizontal Arizona.