African Continent 1860 Stanford SDUK transitional engraved map

Africa.

(Africa, Continent, Unexplored Regions, Madagascar, Sudan, Abyssinia, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria).

Issued c. 1859-60, London, by Edward Stanford for Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (SDUK). Engraved by J. & C. Walker.

Scarce later issue of the continent, showing modifications to the plate from previous earlier states. Arnauld 1841, Petherick 1857-8, Anderson 1854 & 1859 noted within map.

Mountains of the Moon not named, but readily suggested by the topographical terrain details shown in the appropriate areas, almost certainly a cartographic nod to them.

Uncommon mid-19th century antique engraved map with original outline hand color.

Note the large central area designated "Unexplored" lands, near what is today the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Overall the image is clean, some light to moderate scattered age spotting within Indian Ocean. Despite some signs of age, the map remains visually attractive.

Sheet measures c. 16 3/4" x 13 3/4" .

Engraved area measures c. 15 1/2" x 12 3/4".

Tooley's Dictionary of Mapmakers , vol. 4, p. 185. Noting the succession of printers for this long lived and fascinating firm.

Imago Mundi, 46, Cain, SDUK Maps- publishing history.

Betz, Mapping of Africa. Although this key ref. stops at 1700, the images of the continent are so well rendered and described that it makes comparing this mid-19th century SDUK map to any of them endlessly fascinating on numerous levels. Betz' book in physical format, this map, and an online high tech modern map would make for near endless range of cartographic inquiries and discussions.

[R21073]