A New Topographical Map of the Country in the Vicinity of London, Describing all the New Improvements. Drawn from a Scale of two Inches to a Statute Mile.

(87 x 82 cm). Original folding map of London with some original outline colour. The map, printed on paper, dissected and mounted on to linen, shows extents from Edmonton in the north to Beckenham in the south and from Barnes in the west to Plumstead in the east. Blue marbled paper to folded end sections. Label of 'G. Cruchley, Map Seller & Publisher, 38, Ludgate Street, St. Pauls, London' to lower margin and advertisement for 'Works Published and Sold by G. Cruchley' to folded end-section. Some toning and wear. Folds and corners reinforced on verso. James Wyld (1812-1887) was "the most important mapmaker producing maps of London in the year of the Great Exhibition". Wyld was a highly successful publisher, MP for Bodmin, and an active figure in public life. He promoted the development of the British Library and campaigned for the Public Libraries and Museums Bill. Like his father, he was made Geographer to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1836. He built his business on his ability to produce maps quickly in reaction to new discoveries and information: Punch remarked drily that if a country were discovered in the centre of the earth then Wyld would have a new map out "as soon as it is discovered, if not before".…