Sweden & Norway (Scandinavia) antique map by Keith Johnston, c1850

by Johnston, W. & A.K.

Antique map of Scandinavia by Keith Johnston, c1850. Wonderfully detailed original antique map engraved on steel by W. & A.K. Johnston for Keith Johnston F.R.S.E, and published in Edinburgh and London circa 1850 by William Blackwood & Sons.

William Johnston (1802-1888) started as an engraver and printer in 1825 at 6 Hill Square in Edinburgh, and founded the family publishing firm of W. & A.K. Johnston, which moved to 160 High Street in 1826, St Andrew Square in 1837, and to Edina Works, Easter Road, in 1879. In 1932 Sir William Johnston was appointed Lord Provost of Edinburgh, convenor of the City of Edinburgh local authority.

In 1826 William’s younger brother (Alexander) Keith Johnston (1804-1871) joined him in the family publishing house. With a particular interest in physical geography, after university Keith Johnston trained with international geographers, including Alexander von Humboldt. In 1841 his first atlas National Atlas of General Geography was published, and in 1843 he was appointed Geographer Royal for Scotland. He adopted the title of “Geographer at Edinburgh in Ordinary to the Queen”.

In 1848 William Blackwood & Sons published Keith Johnston’s Physical Atlas, with wonderful engravings illustrating all aspects of comparative life and geography around the world. A larger edition was published in 1856. In 1850 Johnston’s Dictionary of Geography was published, and in 1855 Keith began The Royal Atlas of Modern Geography. First published in 1861, the popular Royal Atlas was updated and reissued many times, with Thomas Brumby Johnston (1814-1897), who joined the firm in 1838, continuing the revisions from 1887 to 1897.

Keith Johnson’s son, also named Alexander Keith Johnston, (1844-1879) was an explorer and geographer, who died in Africa while leading a Royal Geographical Society expedition to Lake Nyasa. He also published a number of geographical works. The successful publishing house of W. & A.K. Johnston continued for over 100 years; finally taking over the publishing company of Bacon & Co. in 1941.

Slight marginal (conservation repaired) tear at extremity of centre fold where there is also slight foxing spots on right hand side, but otherwise a clean map in original condition, with outlining of countries as published. Price adjusted in consideration of the map's condition. Page approximate: 460 x 370mm (18" x 14 1/2"). 440 x 330mm (17 1/2" x 13").