Map of the World: Meteorology, and Principal Plants. Johnson & Ward c1862.

by Johnson, A.J.

Antique world maps - Meteorology (Rainfall), and Principal Plants Useful to Mankind.

Colton map publishing firm established a reputation for their decorative maps with intricately engraved borders. The Company was financially assisted by Johnson, who acquired their steel-engraved map plates in 1859. Johnson, with a succession of partners, continued to produce maps in the Colton style until the late 19th century. This map was published circa 1864 by Johnson and Ward. Alvin Jewett Johnson (1827-1884) was a prolific American map publisher from 1856 to mid 1880s. From a poor background, with minimal education, he worked as a school teacher for several years before moving from Vermont to Richmond, Virginia to work as a salesman for map publisher J.H. Colton and Company in 1856. He immediately took to map-making, and published his first significant work, Johnson’s New Illustrated (Steel Plate) Family Atlas in 1860.

This is an interesting and decorative pair of maps. (Another pair of similar presentation-style follows.) The map has wide margins as published, but has acquired some soiling and offsetting - mostly outside the decorative map border. Page size: 560 x 360mm (approx. 22 x 14 inches). To outside of engraved border: 375 x 250mm (14.75 x 9.75 inches)