1779 A Map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America from the Latest Observations
By: John Blair
Date: 1779 (Published) London
Dimensions: 16.25 x 22.5 inches (41.28 x 57.2 cm)
This gorgeous large format map of the West Indies and Middle Continent of America was included in the atlas of John Blair, a fascinating oeuvre which was created for and dedicated to Augusta, Princess Dowager of Wales, in 1779.
The map of Florida, the Gulf Coast and Caribbean is centered on Cuba. Florida is shown as an Archipelago with Georgia extending to the Mississippi River. Texas is labeled the Kingdom of Leon. The map is highly detailed with all geographical and topographical information including cities, towns, fortifications, rivers, lakes and mountains. Blair’s aim was to provide an accurate chronology and history of the world from its creation to the year of Christ 1779, for it was his belief that too much time and attention were being spent on the study and discussion of historical events without a proper chronological framework in which to place them.
One aim of Blair’s atlas was to provide such a framework in order to facilitate better understanding of historical annals. In addition to providing chronology the atlas provides copious amounts of historical information divided into categories such as ‘Remarkable Events of Sacred History’, and ‘Remarkable Events of Profane History’, all of which are discussed in considerable detail. These divisions are further broken down to enumerate specific people, including kings, statesmen, warriors and men of learning.
Condition: This beautiful hand colored map is a bold impression in superb A condition on watermarked paper
Inventory #11451
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