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1844 Black Map of Greater Germany (Germany, Holland, Belgium, Bohemia, Austria)
GermanyIndex-black-1844$100.00
Title
Index Map of Germany.
1844 (undated) 16.5 x 23.5 in (41.91 x 59.69 cm) 1 : 2000000
1844 (undated) 16.5 x 23.5 in (41.91 x 59.69 cm) 1 : 2000000
Description
This is a scarce 1844 map of Central Europe by Adam and Charles Black. It covers from Denmark south to Switzerland and from France east to include Bohemia or the Czech Republic, including the modern day countries of Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Czech Republic and Austria. Throughout, the map identifies various cities, towns, rivers, lakes, roadways and an assortment of additional topographical details.
After the defeat of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna created The German Confederation to coordinate the economies of these separate but culturally related German-speaking countries. The Confederation acted as a buffer zone between Austria and Prussia, the two largest and most powerful member states. Nonetheless the rivalry between the two powerful states increased until the break out of the Austro-Prussian War. Prussia won the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 which ultimately led to the collapse of the German Confederation. A few years later, in 1871, most of the former Confederation states were folded into the newly proclaimed German Empire.
This map was engraved by J. Brown and issued as plate no. XX in the 1844 edition of Black's General Atlas.
After the defeat of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna created The German Confederation to coordinate the economies of these separate but culturally related German-speaking countries. The Confederation acted as a buffer zone between Austria and Prussia, the two largest and most powerful member states. Nonetheless the rivalry between the two powerful states increased until the break out of the Austro-Prussian War. Prussia won the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 which ultimately led to the collapse of the German Confederation. A few years later, in 1871, most of the former Confederation states were folded into the newly proclaimed German Empire.
This map was engraved by J. Brown and issued as plate no. XX in the 1844 edition of Black's General Atlas.
Cartographer
Charles and Adam Black (fl. 1807 - present) were map and book publishers based in Edinburgh. Charles and his uncle, Adam, both of Edinburgh, Scotland, founded their publishing firm in 1807. They published a series of maps and atlases throughout the 19th century. In addition to an array of atlases, the Black firm is known for their editions of the Encyclopedia Britannica (1817 - 1826) and the first publishing of Sir Walter Scott's novels in 1854. In 1889 the A. & C. Black publishing house moved to London where it remains in operation to this day. More by this mapmaker...
Source
Black, A. and C., Black's General Atlas (Edinburgh), 1844.
Black's General Atlas was a popular Scottish atlas of the world issued by the Edinburgh firm of Adam and Charles Black. This atlas was first issued in 1840 with subsequent editions being printed well into the 1890s. While most editions were printed in Edinburgh, an American edition was issued in 1857. Most early editions of his atlas were engraved by S. Hall. Typically this refers to Sidney Hall, who died in 1831, but in this case, since the engraving was initiated well after his death, it was most likely his widow, Selina Hall, who did the engraving. Later editions feature additional maps updated and engraved by William Hughes. Early editions featured outline color only, but later editions embraced a full color approach with pale green, yellow, and blue pastels. All editions are known for their meticulous presentation of the most up-to-date cartographic information. Moreover, this exceptionally long publication run provides a fine cartographic record of the middle to late 19th century - particularly as regards the complex cartographic evolution of the Americas through this period.
Condition
Very good. Original platemark visible. Blank on verso. Minor wear and toning along original centerfold.