Engraved map, colored in outline. Dissected and mounted on linen in eight parts for folding, each part approx. 77x63.5 cm (30¼x25"); overall approx. 152.5x259 cm (60x102").
Significant map the world, with the mapping of North America reflecting the map and explorations of Lewis and Clark, an early appearance on a world map, or any map for that matter. Directions on determining distances are engraved on the chart, and an interesting feature is a notation on Greenland, "Discovered in 983 See Egede p 8." There were at least six issues of this map, and the British Library Catalogue has one dated 1843. Carl Wheat, in Mapping the Transmississippi West, notes that Aaron Arrowsmith was the "head of the well-known family of Cartographers, published a number of large size maps which to this day retain a well merited reputation for their accuracy, distinctness and fine engraving. He understood the projection of maps so thoroughly that he was enabled to utilize, in a way peculiarly his own, the vast store of information supplied him by Dalrymple, the Hudson's Bay Co., the East India Co., and others. Arrowsmith lived during a period when new discoveries were being made all over the world, and his maps were never allowed to become out of date..." Aaron Arrowsmith's two sons, Aaron and Samuel, were involved in the business, as also was his nephew John Arrowsmith, and the Arrowsmith firm continued to prosper following the elder Aaron's death in 1823.
Further Notes from the Files of Warren Heckrotte
Full title: Hydrographical Chart of the World: According to Wrights, or Mercators Projection Delineated by A.Arrowsmith 1811 | London, Published 10 September 1811, By A. Arrowsmith, Hydrographer To H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, 10 Soho Square | Additions to 1814 | Engraved by Edwn. Jones
Provenance: Sotheby's NY, 7/28/81
References: Weinreb and Douma, Cat 16, 1976 state that there were at least six issues of this map. The British Library Catalogue has one dated 1843.