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1799 Cary Map of the Russian Empire

Russia-cary-1799
$250.00
A New Map of the Russian Empire, Divided into its Governments; from the Latest Authorities. - Main View
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1799 Cary Map of the Russian Empire

Russia-cary-1799


Title


A New Map of the Russian Empire, Divided into its Governments; from the Latest Authorities.
  1799 (dated)     18.5 x 41 in (46.99 x 104.14 cm)

Description


An excellent example of John Cary's extremely rare two part 1799 Map of the Russian Empire. This is considered one of the first accurate maps of the Russian Empire. Covers from the Baltic Sea to the Aleutians Islands with extraordinary attention to detail – one of Cary's hallmarks. In addition to cities and provinces, which are shown with color coding, this map notes geographical features including mountains, rivers, plains, swamps and forests. Offers some interesting annotation regarding Russian explorations and discoveries in the Arctic. A wonderful map. Prepared in 1799 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


On two separate sheets. Both sheets exhibit some wear and discoloration along their original fold lines. Both exhibit minor marginal repairs and verso fold reinforcement. Some creasing edges. Would benefit considerably from professional flattening.

References


Rumsey 1657.040. Phillips (Atlases) 714 (Atlas). The Map Collector, issue 43, p. 40-47 (Atlas). National Maritime Museum, v. 3, no. 311 (Atlas).