1875 "North America" Map by J. Bartholomew

About the Item

Presented is an original 1875 map of “North America.” The map was issued in Volume 1 of the Ninth Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, published in Edinburgh. The map was drawn by famous Scottish mapmaker John Bartholomew. The map depicts North America, to include Greenland, the Dominion of Canada, the United States, Mexico, the countries of Central America, and the islands of the West Indies. Prominent rivers, mountain ranges, and cities are labeled on the map, and country borders are emphasized in red. The Encyclopædia Britannica has been published continuously since 1768, appearing in fifteen official editions. The landmark ninth edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, often called "the Scholar's Edition," was published from January 1875 to 1889 in 25 volumes. The editor and author of the “Foreword” was Thomas Spencer Baynes, the first English-born editor after a series of Scots. After 1880, Baynes was assisted by William Robertson Smith. The 9th edition is often lauded as a high point among early editions for scholarship. The 9th edition was far more luxurious than any previously printed Encyclopædia Britannicas, with thick boards and quality leather bindings, premier paper, and a production which took full advantage of the technological advances of printing in the years between the 1850s and 1870s. The publishers took advantage of the new ability to print large graphic illustrations on the same pages as the text, as opposed to limiting illustrations to separate copper plate engravings. Although this technology had first been used in a primitive fashion the 7th edition, and to a much lesser extent in the 8th, in the 9th edition there were thousands of quality illustrations and maps set into the text pages, in addition to the plates. The 9th edition was a critical success, and roughly 8,500 sets were sold in Britain. CONDITION: Very good condition. Color printed map. Color is original to the map and still vibrant. Minor toning to paper. Two small spots of foxing along the left side. Artist and publication information is printed at the bottom of the map: At bottom right margin "J. Bartholomew, Edin." At bottom center "Encyclopædia Britannica, Ninth Edition" Along the right side margin, "Vol I. North America. Plate X. " Map measures 14 10/16” x 10 1/2”. Map has been artfully framed to archival standards, with acid-free mats, UV glass, and a custom-built black wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 19" H x 15" W x 1 1/8" D.

Dimensions:

Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 1.13 in (2.88 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper

Place of Origin:

Scotland

Period:

1870-1879

Date of Manufacture:

1875

Condition:

Additions or alterations made to the original: Archival framing by Rio Grande Custom Framing in Boulder, Colorado, in April of 2023. Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Reference Number:

Seller: M3241stDibs: LU909734130502

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