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1850 Cruchley Map of Europe
Europe-cruchley-1850$125.00
Title
Europe.
1850 (dated) 15 x 18 in (38.1 x 45.72 cm) 1 : 14080000
1850 (dated) 15 x 18 in (38.1 x 45.72 cm) 1 : 14080000
Description
This is an attractive 1850 map of Europe issued by George Frederick Cruchley. It covers the entirety of the continent, including Iceland, from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and from the Antarctic Ocean eastward as far as the Ural Mountain range. It shows the Austrian Empire at its height and the many states of the German Confederacy.
This map was created at a time in history that witnessed the unification of Italy and saw the British empire rise to its peak. It was also a time of decline for the Ottoman Empire. The map is color coded according to countries and territories with various towns, cities, rivers, mountains and several other topographical details identified. Elevation is rendered by hachures.
Cruchley's General Atlas was unique for its period, employing a vivid color scheme extending even to the oceans, distinctive typography, and various uncommon decorative elements including a peacock feather crown and an imprint medallion, both of which break the printed border. Though many of the maps in this atlas are copyrighted in 1841 or 1842, the atlas was first published in 1843 from the Cruchley office at 81 Fleet Street, London, and proving popular went through numerous reissues well into the 1850s.
This map was created at a time in history that witnessed the unification of Italy and saw the British empire rise to its peak. It was also a time of decline for the Ottoman Empire. The map is color coded according to countries and territories with various towns, cities, rivers, mountains and several other topographical details identified. Elevation is rendered by hachures.
Cruchley's General Atlas was unique for its period, employing a vivid color scheme extending even to the oceans, distinctive typography, and various uncommon decorative elements including a peacock feather crown and an imprint medallion, both of which break the printed border. Though many of the maps in this atlas are copyrighted in 1841 or 1842, the atlas was first published in 1843 from the Cruchley office at 81 Fleet Street, London, and proving popular went through numerous reissues well into the 1850s.
Cartographer
George Frederick Cruchley (April 23, 1797 - June 16, 1880) was a London based book and map seller active in the middle part of the 19th century. Cruchley began his cartographic career as an apprentice at the venerable Aaroon Arrowsmith firm. Many of Cruchley's earliest maps bear the words 'From Arrowsmith's' on the imprint. In 1844, Cruchley acquired the massive stock of the important early 19th century firm of John Cary. Cruchley published his own maps as well as reissues of Cary's stock well into the 1870s. He is best known for his detailed plans of London, which in recent years have become increasingly scarce and desirable. Cruchley was based in London on 38 Ludgate Street until 1834 when he moved his offices to 81 Fleet Street. Shortly before his death in 1880 Cruchely auctioned (Hodgson's Auctions, Jan 16, 1877) his entire stock. Many of his map plates were thusly acquired by 'Gall and Inglis' who continued the Cruchley tradition well into the early 20th century. Cruchley's son, also George Frederick (1837 - 1882), continued to work as a book and map seller until his death. More by this mapmaker...
Source
Cruchley, G. F., Selection of Maps from Cruchley's General Atlas, for the use of Schools and Private Tuition, London, 1850.
Condition
Very good. Minor wear and some toning over original centerfold. Blank on verso. Spotting near the Lofoden Isles.