1817 Thomson Map Africa (2 results)

Very good. Original centerfold. Size 19 x 22 Inches. This is John Thomson's fascinating 1814 map of Africa, here in its first edition. This map is as engrossing as much for what it doesn't show as for what it does. The expansive blank interior, here labeled, 'unknown parts' reveals just how little of the 'Dark Continent' was known in the early 19th century. A Closer Look On this map exploration is limited to the Nile Valley, the costal Mediterranean lands, Abyssinia, the Niger Valley, the Congo, South Africa, and the Mozambique Coast. A large and fictive mountain range, alternately labeled the Mountains of Kong or the Mountain of the Moon, stretches across the continent. This range is a combination of Ptolemaic conventions on the source of the White Nile, as well the speculations of Mungo Park on the sources of the Niger. Further south Lake Malawi (l. Maravi) appears in embryonic form, most likely gleaned from indigenous reports, and is suggestive of the great lakes of the Rift Valley. Caravan Routes Caravan routes crisscross the Sahara, alternatively labeled 'Great Desert'. Some of these routes are given exotic names such as 'Desert of 20 Journies' referring to the number of days it takes to cross that expanse. In addition, several late 18th and early 19th century exploratory routes are identified. Publication History and Census This map was prepared and engraved in c. 1816 in Edinburgh by J. and G. Menzies for inclusion in the 1817 first edition of John Thomson's New General Atlas . References: Rumsey 1007.051. Tooley, R.V., Maps of Africa, p. 101.

Very good. Minor wear along original centerfold. Original platemark visible. Overall toning and foxing at places. Size 24 x 21 Inches. This unusual hand-colored 1817 map by John Thomson is essentially two maps in one: North Africa and South Africa. Thomson's decision to focus on these two parts of Africa may seem unusual until one realizes that these were in fact the only relatively well known parts of the 'dark continent.' Northern Africa, particularly the Nile Valley and the Mediterranean Coast had long been visited by European merchants and travelers while, beyond the Sahara, the Niger River system had recently been explorer by the adventurers Mungo Park, Brown and others. Nonetheless speculation remained regarding he sources and course of the Niger, especially in the East, where a speculative river path leas south east from a proto-Lake Chad (Wancara or Ungara) through a speculative mountain range, the Mountains of the Moon or the Mountains of Kong. Park, and others postulated the existence of the Mountains of Kong stretching across central Africa in an attempt to explain the Niger. Further north, caravan routes crisscross the Sahara. Southern Africa, a more pleasing climate to the Europeans, was in the meantime actively and aggressively being colonized by the Dutch and the English. Here, the region is divided into various provinces including the recently acquired British Cape District and Zwellingdam, and the Dutch / Afrikaans Territories of Stellenbosch and Graaff Reyn. Numerous transcontinental routes are identified, as are areas commendable to settlement, pasturage, and development. Of particular note is the route of John Campbell, an English Missionary through Zwellingdam. Campbell was commissioned to reconnaissance the area and provide a detailed report on the territory's country, settlements, and people. His report was highly regarded in its time and provided some of the best information about South Africa available in England. The whole is beautifully engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century. Thomson maps are known for their stunning color, awe-inspiring size, and magnificent detail. Thomson's work, including this map, represents some of the finest cartographic art of the 19th century. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, cities, and major topographical features identified. This map was prepared by John Thomson for inclusion in the 1817 edition of Thomson's New General Atlas . References: Rumsey 1007.054. Phillips (Atlases) 731. Newberry Library: Ayer 135 T4 1817.