This item has been sold, but you can get on the Waitlist to be notified if another example becomes available, or purchase a digital scan.

1801 Cary Map of the East Indies and Southeast Asia ( Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Philippines

EastIndies-cary-1801
$275.00
A New Map of the East India Isles, from the Latest Authorities. - Main View
Processing...

1801 Cary Map of the East Indies and Southeast Asia ( Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Philippines

EastIndies-cary-1801


Title


A New Map of the East India Isles, from the Latest Authorities.
  1801 (dated)     18.5 x 20.5 in (46.99 x 52.07 cm)

Description


An exceptionally beautiful example of John Cary's important 1801 Map of the East Indies. Covers all of Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula, including Singapore, as well as the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, java, the Celebes, and parts of Papua New Guinea. One of the few maps of this region to label the volcanic island of Krakatoa between Java and Sumatra, which famously erupted, obliterating the entire island in 1883. Notes the Straits of Singapore at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Offers wonderful detail regarding the mountain ranges of the region. Also shows some off shore details, especially the shoals near Borneo and the Philippines. In Southeast Asia this map notes the kingdoms of Siam (Thailand), Tonkin (North Vietnam), Cochin (South Vietnam), Cambodia, and Pegu (Burma). Includes part of the Island of Formosa. All in all, one of the most interesting and attractive atlas maps of the East Indies to appear in first years of the 19th century. Prepared in 1801 by John Cary for issue in his magnificent 1808 New Universal Atlas.

Cartographer


John Cary (1754 - 1835) was a London based cartographer active in the early part of the 19th century. Ronald Vere Tooley, the prominent English map historian, writes of Cary, "As an engraver he was elegant and exact with fine clear lettering and great delicacy of touch." Cary began his work as an engraver, cartographer, and globe maker in 1776 with his New and Correct English Atlas. This important atlas represented a new phase in cartography where accuracy and detail rose in prominence over the decorative embellishments of the 18th century. This change was indicative of the times when travel and commerce were expanding globally as never before. Cary's mastery of both engraving and cartography resulted in a series of seminal works that redefined mapmaking in the early 19th century. His stupendous Cary's New Universal Atlas, published in 1808, set the standard for all cartographers who followed. Cary reissued this seminal atlas in 1811, 1819, 1824, 1828, 1833, 1836 and 1844. Cary also did considerable work on the English Ordinance Survey prior to 1805. His cartographic work particularly inspired the Edinburgh school of cartography as represented by John Pinkerton and John Thomson. In America, Cary's work was used as the basis for Tanner's important New American Atlas. Cary's last published atlas appeared posthumously in 1844, however, by 1850 Cary's work was being carried on by his sons and other well-known cartographers including James Wyld, John Tallis & Company, and Crutchley. More by this mapmaker...

Source


Cary, John, Cary's New Universal Atlas, containing distinct maps of all the principal states and kingdoms throughout the World. From the latest and best authorities extant. London: Printed for J. Cary, Engraver and Map-seller, No. 181, near Norfolk Street, Strand, 1808.    

Condition


Very good condition. Minor discoloration along original centerfold - see photo. Blank on verso.

References


Rumsey 1657.046. Phillips (Atlases) 714. The Map Collector, issue 43, p. 40-47 (Atlas). National Maritime Museum, v. 3, no. 311 (Atlas).