Catalog Archive
Auction 183, Lot 15

"A New & Accurate Chart of the World, Drawn from Authentic Surveys, Assisted by the Most Approved Modern Maps & Charts & Regulated by Astronl. Observations...", Bowen, Emanuel

Subject: World

Period: 1744 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.4 x 14.3 inches
44.2 x 36.3 cm
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This unusual thematic chart of the world shows the magnetic variations throughout the world. Edmond Halley set out in 1700 to chart magnetic variation in order to solve one of the great problems in nautical navigation: the accurate determination of longitude. His initial work was expanded on by several British navigators in the 1740s, as represented by this map. Geographically the map shows an incomplete northwestern coastline in North America and partially formed Australia and New Zealand, with a conjectural coastline suggesting that Australia and New Guinea are connected. De Gama's Land and Company's Land appear to the east of Yedso. The map does not show interior features, instead concentrating only on coastal place names with dates of important discoveries in the oceans.

References: McCorkle (18th C. Geography Books) #17-1.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with a few faint spots, a printer's crease adjacent to the left fold, and faint mat burn. There are remnants of masking tape along the top and bottom sheet edges on verso.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $350

Closed on 6/9/2021

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