1815 North Africa. South Africa.
This outstanding Thomson depiction of Africa shows the continent in two separate maps. The map is engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century, a style which reduced maps’ decorative elements to a minimum. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, cities, and major topographical features identified.
The north sheet extends from the Mediterranean Sea south as far as the Mountains of the Moon. The Sahara Desert is shown in detail, including trade routes in use in the early 19th century, and routes of early explorers. The south sheet is also highly detailed, with towns, cities, and major topographical features identified, and highlights the many settlements already developing in South Africa. This set of maps on one sheet illustrates the interest in the African continent along with much of the exploration taking place at the time of publication.
John Thomson (1777 - 1841) was a Scottish cartographer, publisher, and bookbinder active in Edinburgh during the early part of the 19th century. Thomson apprenticed under Edinburgh bookbinder Robert Alison. Thomson was one of the leading publishers in the Edinburgh school of cartography, which flourished in the early decades of the 19th century. Thomson and his contemporaries (Pinkerton and Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy.
Condition: This superb large format map on heavy paper is in immaculate A condition.
Inventory #11894
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