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Geological Map of the British Isles by A.K. Johnston – Highlands & Valleys 1852

$307.37per item
£231.42per item
€260per item
CA$424.21per item
A$475.21per item
CHF 247.17per item
MX$5,796.60per item
NOK 3,146.79per item
SEK 2,967.20per item
DKK 1,979.38per item
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About the Item

Geological Map of the British Isles by A.K. Johnston – Highlands & Valleys 1852 This antique topographic map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of the British Isles" was created by Alexander Keith Johnston and published in 1852 by William Blackwood & Sons in Edinburgh and London. It forms Plate 10 in Johnston’s landmark *Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena*, one of the most influential works of thematic cartography of the 19th century. The map offers a clear and scientific representation of the physical geography of Great Britain and Ireland, highlighting major mountain ranges, highlands, plains, river valleys, and tablelands using fine engraved detail and hand-applied color washes. Rather than depicting political boundaries, this plate focuses entirely on natural landforms and their elevations, providing insight into the geological character of the region. Key physical features include the Highlands and Grampians of Scotland, the Pennines in northern England, the Cambrian Mountains of Wales, and the Cumbrian Fells. Ireland is shown with its central lowlands ringed by uplands, and an inset in the upper right corner details the Shetland Islands. Rivers such as the Thames, Shannon, Severn, and Clyde are precisely mapped, and lowland basins like those surrounding the Wash and the Fens are delicately shaded in green. This map reflects the mid-19th century shift from political and colonial maps to scientific and thematic cartography. Alexander Keith Johnston (1804–1871), Geographer in Ordinary to Queen Victoria in Scotland, was one of the leading cartographic figures of his time. His *Physical Atlas* was the first to systematically visualize natural phenomena on a global scale through beautifully engraved and colored maps. This map is part of that series and stands as a testament to the combination of precision, clarity, and aesthetic quality in Victorian scientific publishing. Highly collectible and still relevant today, this plate is perfect for historians, educators, or anyone with an interest in British natural history and geography. Condition and framing tips: Very good antique condition with minor age toning and a clean printed surface. Original centerfold as issued. Ideal for framing in walnut, oak, or black wood with a warm ivory or cool grey mat to complement the greens and earth tones. A beautiful addition to a study, library, or historically inspired interior.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.59 in (34.5 cm)Width: 10.79 in (27.4 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1852
  • Condition:
    Very good condition. Light overall toning near the margins. The paper remains strong and well-preserved. Folding line as issued.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13207-101stDibs: LU3054345388152

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Geological Map of Europe by A.K. Johnston – Mountains and Valleys 1852 This elegant 1852 map titled "The Mountains, Table Lands, Plains & Valleys of Europe" was designed by the acclaimed Scottish geographer Alexander Keith Johnston and published by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London. Issued as Plate 5 in Johnston’s pioneering work *The Physical Atlas of Natural Phenomena*, this map presents a physical topographic view of Europe with a focus on land elevation and terrain structure, rather than political borders. Rendered in soft shades of beige, green, and blue, the map clearly delineates Europe’s major mountain ranges, including the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, Apennines, and the Scandinavian Mountains. Valleys, upland plateaus, and lowlands are carefully shaded and labeled, giving a three-dimensional sense of the landscape. The careful use of hachuring and color gradients creates a tactile impression of Europe’s relief, from the Scottish Highlands to the Ural Mountains. Rather than showing countries, the map categorizes the land by geological and geomorphological features. The title and key in the lower right explain the distinctions between highlands, tablelands, and low plains, emphasizing natural geography over human boundaries. This approach reflects the 19th-century scientific movement toward thematic cartography—maps made not to navigate or govern, but to understand physical phenomena. Alexander Keith Johnston (1804–1871), Geographer in Ordinary to the Queen for Scotland, was one of the most respected mapmakers of the Victorian era. His *Physical Atlas* was a groundbreaking work in visual science, and among the first to systematically map climate, geology, hydrology, and landforms across the globe. This plate is a beautifully executed example of early data visualization and remains highly relevant for collectors of antique scientific prints...
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