Catalog Archive
Auction 146, Lot 718

"The East Indies Drawn from the Latest Discoveries…", Jefferys, Thomas

Subject: Southeast Asia

Period: 1748 (published)

Publication: Gentleman's Magazine

Color: Black & White

Size:
10.3 x 9 inches
26.2 x 22.9 cm
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Thomas Jefferys was one of the most important English map publishers of the 18th century. His work included prints and maps of locations around the world, but his most notable maps are of North America and the West Indies. He began his career in the map trade in the early 1730s, working as an engraver for a variety of London publishers, and eventually setting up his own shop. In 1746, he was appointed Geographer to the Prince of Wales, and in 1760 he became Geographer to the King. These titles granted access to manuscripts and cartographic information held by the government. In the early 1760s he embarked on an ambitious project to produce a series of English county maps based on new surveys, but ran out of money and filed for bankruptcy in 1766. He then partnered with London publisher Robert Sayer, who reissued many of Jefferys plates and continued to issue new editions after Jefferys' death in 1771. Jefferys' American Atlas and the accompanying West-India Atlas, published post posthumously, are considered his most important cartographic works.

Very attractive and beautifully engraved map that is still bound into the original September 1748 issue. Very detailed throughout the region extending from India to Japan and south to New Guinea. Adorned by a decorative title cartouche featuring a native. Engraved by Jeffreys while he was the Geographer to the Prince of Wales.

References: Jolly #GENT-58.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with light toning and faint offsetting with one small printer's crease at top right. The text is lightly toned.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $90

Closed on 9/4/2013

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