A superb double-page map entitled "Belgium and The Netherlands" published in Keith Johnston's "Royal Atlas" in 1861. 

 This is the first edition of the atlas published by William Blackwood, different from later editions as the maps are printed in blue and finished with hand coloring to the country boundaries - see details below in which this publication is described by David Rumsey as "one of the best world atlases published in England in the second half of the 19th. century"

Very good condition - no stains, tears or splits. Original hand coloring to the boundaries. 

Overall size approx. 24 x 15 inches with horizontal fold as issued.

This is guaranteed to be an original antique map of the period described (see frontispiece, not included). See more modestly-priced maps from this atlas in Seller's Other Items which can be combined for USA mailings 

 These attractive maps from the 1861 edition are typically offered by dealers on Ebay for around $100 


Alexander Keith Johnston (1804–1871)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Alexander Johnston (disambiguation).
Grave of Alexander Keith Johnston, Grange Cemetery

Alexander Keith Johnston LLD (28 December 1804 – 9 July 1871) was a Scottish geographer.

Biography[edit]

He was born at Kirkhill near Penicuik, south of Edinburgh. He was the son of Andrew Johnston and Isabel Keith. His brother was Thomas Brumby Johnston.[1]

After an education at the High School and the University of Edinburgh he was apprenticed to the Edinburgh engraver and mapmaker, James Kirkwood. In 1826, he joined his brother William (who would become Sir William Johnston, Lord Provost of Edinburgh) in a printing and engraving business, forming the well-known cartographical firm of W. and A. K. Johnston.[2] The rest of Johnston's life was devoted to geography, his later years to its educational aspects especially. His services were recognised by the leading scientific societies of Europe and America.

He married Margaret Gray in 1837.

In October 1849, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. In 1862 he was a founding member of the Meteorological Society of Scotland.

He died at Ben Rhydding, Yorkshire, in 1871.[2] He is buried in the north-west section of Grange Cemetery in Edinburgh.

Works[edit]

His interest in geography had developed early, and his first important work was the National Atlas of General Geography, which gained for him in 1843 the appointment of Geographer Royal for Scotland. Johnston was the first to bring the study of physical geography into competent notice in England. His attention had been called to the subject by Alexander von Humboldt; and after years of labour he published his magnificent Physical Atlasin 1848, followed by a second and enlarged edition in 1856. This, by means of maps with descriptive letterpress, illustrates the geology, hydrography, meteorology, botany, zoology, and ethnology of the globe.

Johnston published a Dictionary of Geography in 1850, with many later editions; The Royal Atlas of Modern Geography, begun in 1855; an atlas of military geography to accompany Alison's History of Europe in 1848 seq.; and a variety of other atlases and maps for educational or scientific purposes.[2] A book on astronomy named "School Atlas of Astronomy" (published 1856) was written by him.


Family[edit]

His son Alexander Keith Johnston (1844-1879) was also the author of various geographical works and papers; in 1873-1875 he was geographer to a commission for the survey of Paraguay; and he died in Behobeho in South Africa while leading the Royal Geographical Society's expedition to Lake Nyasa.[2] He is remembered on his father's gravestone.



David Rumsey Maps of Clare

Johnston, Alexander Keith 1861 © Cartography Associates


The royal atlas of modern geography by Alexander Keith Johnston (Edinburgh: William Blackwood & Sons, 1861)

Information on this publication from the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection website.

Short Title: Ireland.
Publisher: Edinburgh: William Blackwood & Sons
Type: Atlas Map
Obj Height cm: 59
Obj Width cm: 47
Scale 1:792,444
Note: Engraved map. County boundaries hand col.; hydrography, shipping lanes printed in blue. Relief shown by hachures and spot heights. "Keith Johnston's general atlas 9."
Country: Ireland
Full Title: Ireland by Keith Johnston, F.R.S.E. Engraved & printed by W. & A.K. Johnston, Edinburgh. William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh & London, (1861)
List No: 0373.011
Page No: 9
Series No: 16
Engraver or Printer: W. & A.K. Johnston Limited
Publication Author: Johnston, Alexander Keith, 1804-1871
Pub Date: 1861
Pub Title: The royal atlas of modern geography, exhibiting, in a series of entirely original and authentic maps, the present condition of geographical discovery and research in the several countries, empires, and states of the world by Alexander Keith Johnston ... With a special index to each map. William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London. MDCCCLXI.
Pub Reference: Phillips, 835. National Maritime Museum. Catalogue, 507.
Pub Note: First edition. This atlas was one of the best world atlases published in England in the second half of the 19th century. The North America map shows Colorado as a Territory - very up to date on U.S. political changes (most U.S. atlases do not show Colorado until 1862) for an English Atlas. Also shows Nevada, and a horizontal Arizona. However, the western U.S. map shows none of this -- its layout is pre-1860. Maps have a mixture of hand colored outline and printed blue color for water. Covers are half leather brown cloth covered boards with "Keith Johnston's royal atlas of modern geography" stamped in gilt on the cover, and "The Royal Atlas. Keith Johnston. W. Blackwood & Sons" on the spine.
Pub List No: 0373.000
Pub Type: World Atlas
Pub Maps: 48
Pub Height cm: 51
Pub Width cm: 35
Image No: 0373011
Institution: Rumsey Collection
Ownership Statement: Copyright 2005