1879 Johnston Map of Madagascar

This is a fine example of the 1879 Stanford physical map of Madagascar. Stanford's map covers the entire island country from Cape Amber to Cape St. Mary. It includes the Comoros Islands of Great Comoro (Grande Comore or Ngazidja), Mohila (Moheli or Mwali), Johanna (Anjouan or Nzwani) and Mayotta (Mayotte). At the base of the map a horizontal cross-section reveals Madagascar's elevations. Various towns, cities, rivers, volcanic districts, forests and other topographical details are also noted. This map was drawn by A. K. Johnston and published by e. Stanford with contributions from Rev. James Sibree, as part of the Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society and Monthly Record of Geography, Vol. I, in 1879.

Cartographers

Alexander Keith Johnston (December 28, 1804 - July 9, 1871) was a Scottish cartographer and map publisher active in the middle portion of the 19th century. Johnson was born at Kirkhill, near Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied at the University of Edinburgh where he apprenticed as an engraver. Around 1826, in partnership with his brother William, he founded a cartographic printing and engraving firm with the imprint "W. and A. K. Johnston." Johnston made a name for himself in educational geography, publishing numerous maps for use in schools. His brother, William Johnston, eventually left the firm to pursue a career in politics, eventually becoming the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Alexander's son, who would bear the same name, became a geographer and explorer, suffering an untimely death on the Royal Geographical Society's 1879 expedition to Lake Nyasa.   Further Details...

Edward Stanford (May 27, 1827 - November 3, 1904) was one of the most prolific map publishing firms of the late 19th century. The company began as a partnership in 1848 between the 21 year old Edward Stanford and the established map dealer Trelawney Saunders. By 1853 the partnership had dissolved and Edward Stanford took full control of the business. A subsequent series of expansions and exciting new map issues finally led to the production of Stanford's masterwork, "Stanford's Library Map of London". This map is still available and remains somewhat accurate. At the time of publishing it was hailed by the Royal Geographical Society as "the most perfect map of London that has ever been issued". In 1882 Edward Stanford Sr. passed the firm on to his son, Edward Stanford Jr. who continued in his father's proud tradition. Today the Stanford firm still publishes maps and remains one of the most important and prolific cartographic publishers in the world.   Further Details...

Source

Stanford, E. Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society and Monthly Record of Geography, Vol. 1, 1879.    

Condition

Very good. Minor wear and toning on original fold lines