A Comparative Atlas of Ancient and Modern Geography, for the Use of Schools. Compiled from Original Authorities and containing the latest Discoveries.

ARROWSMITH, Aaron (1750-1823).

Published by London: John Arrowsmith, 1842.

About this Item

4to., (11 x 9 inches). (Index a bit browned). 57 fine engraved maps with original hand color in outline (very occasional spotting). Original publisher's green cloth, printed paper label on the front cover (extremities a bit worn). First edition. A comprehensive school atlas, containing 26 ancient maps, each with its corresponding modern equivalent, as well as 4 maps of the new world, including "Western Hemisphere," "North America" (showing Texas as a republic), "United States," "West Indies," and "South America." An acclaimed British cartographer, Aaron Arrowsmith drafted accurate, detailed charts that earned him the titles of Hydrographer to the King of England and Geographer to the Prince of Wales, extremely important distinctions during an era when Britain ruled the seas. An acclaimed British cartographer, Aaron Arrowsmith drafted accurate, detailed charts that earned him the titles of Hydrographer to the King of England and Geographer to the Prince of Wales, extremely important distinctions during an era when Britain ruled the waves. One of the first great British cartographers of North America, Arrowsmith introduced a new standard of excellence in mapmaking in the late 18th century and almost single-handedly made London the center for the cartographic trade. Arrowsmith built his great success on this ability to attract both commercial and general viewers through his combination of visual and scientific appeal. The most influential and respected map publisher of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Arrowsmith issued maps that were the result of careful synthesis rather than systematic, scientific inquiry. His role in cartographic production was to gather the best available information from a wide variety of sources, weigh the relative merits of conflicting data, and compile the most accurate depiction possible of an area. Arrowsmith accomplished this synthesis better than any other commercial mapmaker of his day and, as a result, his maps were the most sought after and highly prized on three continents. Phillips 6064.

Seller Inventory # 72MMS237

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Comparative Atlas of Ancient and Modern Geography, for the Use of Schools. Compiled from Original Authorities and containing the latest Discoveries.
• Publisher: London: John Arrowsmith, 1842.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Atlas
  • Texas