South America (southern sheet) by Keith Johnston, c1886

by Johnston, W. & A.K.

Superb Southern America antique map by W. & A.K. Johnston.

Fine, large antique map (south from Rio De Janeiro) with submarine telegraph lines and fine geographic detail, contemporary coast-highlighting by colour lithography, and countries hand-outlined by pen. Engraved, printed and published by W. and A.K. Johnston c1886, this popular map was reissued several times over the following years.

William Johnston (1802-1888) started as an engraver and printed in 1825 at 6 Hill Square in Edinburgh, and founded the family publishing firm (which moved premises over the following years). In 1826 William was joined in the business of mapmaking by his brother (Alexander) Keith Johnston (1804-1871) who trained with international geographers after graduating from university. William Johnston was appointed Lord Provost of Edinburgh, convenor of the City of Edinburgh local authority in 1932, and in 1843 Alexander Keith Johnston was appointed Geographer Royal for Scotland.

This map has wide borders, as issued (but not shown). It is in fine condition except for inevitable faint soiling of page extremities. Map to border measures 325 mm x 425 mm (14.3/4 inches x 16.3/4 inches). Page size is 37 x 48 (14.1/2 x 18.7/8 inches).