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1850 Cruchley Map of The World

World-cruchley-1850
$100.00
The World. - Main View
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1850 Cruchley Map of The World

World-cruchley-1850


Title


The World.
  1850 (dated)     15 x 18 in (38.1 x 45.72 cm)     1 : 70000000

Description


This is a fine example of G.F. Cruchley's 1850 map of the World. An interesting map issued just as most of the Earth's non-polar shores had been explored. Cruchley depicts the world showing the six known continents as well as traces of Antarctica. Vast stretches of unmapped territory and speculative cartography fill central Africa and Australia.

In Africa, Lake Nyasa (or something like it) is shown speculatively, but not labeled. Neither Mt. Kenya nor Mt. Kilimanjaro are present though the apocryphal Mountains of the Moon stretch across the continent. In China, the Great Wall is identified. The sea between Japan and Korea, whose name, either the 'Sea of Korea' or the 'Sea of Japan,' is currently a matter of historical and political dispute between the two countries, is here identified in favor of Japan. The map is color coded according to continents with counties named but their boundaries not defined. Various important cities, rivers, islands, mountain ranges, and several other topographical details are noted with relief shown in hachures.

Cruchley's General Atlas was unique for its period, employing a vivid color scheme extending even to the oceans, distinctive typography, and various uncommon decorative elements including a peacock feather crown and an imprint medallion, both of which break the printed border.  Though many of the maps in this atlas are copyrighted in 1841, the atlas was first published in 1843 from the Cruchley office at 81 Fleet Street, London, and proving popular went through numerous reissues well into the 1850s. 

Cartographer


George Frederick Cruchley (April 23, 1797 - June 16, 1880) was a London based book and map seller active in the middle part of the 19th century. Cruchley began his cartographic career as an apprentice at the venerable Aaroon Arrowsmith firm. Many of Cruchley's earliest maps bear the words 'From Arrowsmith's' on the imprint. In 1844, Cruchley acquired the massive stock of the important early 19th century firm of John Cary. Cruchley published his own maps as well as reissues of Cary's stock well into the 1870s. He is best known for his detailed plans of London, which in recent years have become increasingly scarce and desirable. Cruchley was based in London on 38 Ludgate Street until 1834 when he moved his offices to 81 Fleet Street. Shortly before his death in 1880 Cruchely auctioned (Hodgson's Auctions, Jan 16, 1877) his entire stock. Many of his map plates were thusly acquired by 'Gall and Inglis' who continued the Cruchley tradition well into the early 20th century. Cruchley's son, also George Frederick (1837 - 1882), continued to work as a book and map seller until his death. More by this mapmaker...

Source


Cruchley, G. F., Selection of Maps from Cruchley's General Atlas, for the use of Schools and Private Tuition, London, 1850.    

Condition


Very good. Minor wear and some toning over original centerfold. Blank on verso.