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1845 Chambers Map of France in Privinces
FranceProvinces-chambers-1845$75.00
Title
France in Provinces.
1845 (undated) 9 x 11 in (22.86 x 27.94 cm)
1845 (undated) 9 x 11 in (22.86 x 27.94 cm)
Description
This is a fine example of the 1845 Chambers map of France. The map covers the Kingdom of France showing its various divisions according to province. It covers from the Flanders in the north to Roussillon in the south and from Bretagne in the west to Alsace in the east. After 1790, the French provincial system was replaced by the department system which, it was believe, would encourage loyalty to the central government. This time in French history marked the rule of the July Monarchy, a liberal constitutional monarchy under King Louis-Philippe. The July Monarchy would last until the Revolution of 1848 which saw the establishment of the Second Republic. Divided and color coded according to provinces, the map identifies various cities, towns, rivers, and an assortment of additional topographical details. Map is drawn and engraved by J. Gellatly.
Cartographer
William Chambers (April 16, 1800 - May 20, 1883) and Robert Chambers (July 10, 1802 - March 17, 1871) were born into a prosperous family on the border between Scotland and England. Unfortunately, by puberty their family fortunes had declined due to their father's bad loans to French prisoners of war. Left with little Robert Chambers, then 16, opened a small bookstand on Leith Walk, Edinburgh. His brother William, at 18, opened a bookstand of his own on the same street. A short time afterwards the two joined forces. Due to their thrifty business practices and hard work, the duo quickly developed a thriving business and began publishing. Their first publishing venture was 750 copies of "The Songs of Robert Burns", a sure bet in 19th century Edinburgh. They followed up with a series of educational works including several atlases, an encyclopedia, and more Burns books. The firm continued to publish into the early 20th century. More by this mapmaker...
Condition
Very good. Moderate age toning. Blank on verso.