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1806 Cary Map of Tartary or Central Asia

Tartary-cary-1806
$175.00
A New Map of Chinese & Independent Tartary , From the Latest Authorities. - Main View
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1806 Cary Map of Tartary or Central Asia

Tartary-cary-1806


Title


A New Map of Chinese & Independent Tartary , From the Latest Authorities.
  1806 (dated)     18.5 x 20 in (46.99 x 50.8 cm)

Description


An exceptionally beautiful example of John Cary's important 1806 map of Chinese and Independent Tartary. Covers Central Asia from the Caspian Sea to Japan, extends as far north as the Obskaia Sea and as far south as India, Burma and the Philippines. Includes the modern day nations of Tibet, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan and Mongolia. One of Cary's most interesting maps. Central Asia, despite hundreds of years of passing trade on the Silk Routes, was still, at the turn of the century a largely unknown land. Cary attempts to show some of the Silk Route passages, especially to the north of the Gobi, but ultimately admits, 'The Geography of these parts is extremely obscure.' All in all, one of the most interesting and few maps of Central Asia to appear in first years of the 19th century. Prepared in 1806 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 verso repair and reinforcement on original centerfold. Blank on verso.

References


Rumsey 1657.049. Phillips (Atlases) 714-47. The Map Collector, issue 43, p. 40-47 (Atlas). National Maritime Museum, v. 3, no. 311.