John Cary was probably the most prolific cartographer and map maker at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century.
He set up his own business in the Strand in 1783, where he produced a great mass of geographical publications, atlases, road maps, maps, road books, geological maps, terrestrial and celestial globes (a pair have just sold in auction for a world record price). His maps although not embellished with masses of decoration or elaborate lettering, none the less are noted for their clarity of line and accurateness, with simple but attractive outline hand colouring.
John Cary can be noted as the first of the ‘modern’ cartographers.
John Cary's Traveller's Companion
In the Antiquarian Book Auction on the 21st August 2013, an example of John Cary's fine craftsmanship can be found with a copy of his “Traveller’s Companion” [1817], containing some 45 hand coloured maps of the counties.
John Cary's Travellers Companion
This pocket sized atlas was designed to fit comfortably in a pocket or saddle-bag, to aid the traveller on his journey around England and Wales. It will carry a pre-sale estimate of £100-£150 when it is being offered in the Antiquarian Book Auction on 21st August 2013.
John Cary's Travellers Companion
