Catalog Archive
Auction 116, Lot 21

"Geography", Blome, Richard

Subject: World

Period: 1678 (dated)

Publication: The Gentleman's Recreation

Color: Hand Color

Size:
9.4 x 15 inches
23.9 x 38.1 cm
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This interesting illustration of the science of geography centers on a simple double hemisphere world map depicting California as an island. The surrounding oval contains engravings showing how the land is measured and divided; The Earth is divided into Realmes, Realmes into Provinces, Provinces into Regions, Regions into Countreys, Countreys into Territories, Territories into Lands, Lands into Acres, Acres into Rodds, Rodds into Paces, Paces into Feet, Feet into Inches and Inches into Barly-corns. At the bottom is great illustration of a cartographer's studio. At top are the royal coat of arms and a dedication to the Right Honorable George Berkeley. Published between 1686 and 1710.

Richard Blome was one of the most interesting, and most active, publishers of illustrated books in post-Restoration London. There is an excellent biography on MapForum.com.

References: Shirley #479.

Condition: B

Old repair of a 2" tear at bottom and some marginal chips.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $550

Closed on 9/20/2006

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