1806 Cary Map of India or Hindoostan

An exceptionally beautiful example of John Cary's important 1806 Map of India. Covers India in extraordinary detail from Kabul and Kashmir south to Ceylon or Sri Lanka. Extends east as far as Burma and west into Persia. Based on Rennell's late 18th century map, this map offers extraordinary detail through, noting the sites of numerous villages and cities as well as important river ways, religious sites and trade routes . An inset in the lower right quadrant details the Island of Ceylon or Sri Lanka.

This map features a hand written note in the left margin that reads:

Examined this map on Sunday Evening June 8th, 1823, with the Bishop of Calcutta, when he traced his intended voyages through his Diocese. It was the last Sunday but one that he spent in England and his farewell gift to us. -Stephanie, June 9th, 1823.

The 'Bishop of Calcutta' in question is Reginald Herber. Herber was one of the most popular Christian religious figures in India and worked indefatigably to promote Christianity in south Asia. Today there is a university in his honor, the Bishop Herber College, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India. The this snippet of hand written text adds significant context and importance to this already rare map. All in all, one of the most interesting and attractive atlas maps of India 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 - August 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, of where there are more than 600 maps known, 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.   Further Details...

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. Professionally restored centerfold. Minor closed and professionally repaired tear to right of centerfold extending about 1 inch into map. Pen text to left of map in margin - see description.

References

Rumsey 1657.045. Phillips (Atlases) 714. The Map Collector, No. 43, p. 40-47. National Maritime Museum, Catalog, v. 3, no. 311.