|
||
|
|
|
|
This detailed map, titled Stanford’s Map of China and Japan, was published in 1927 by Edward Stanford Ltd., a renowned London-based cartographic firm. The map illustrates the geographical and political landscape of China, Japan, and the adjacent regions, including parts of the Russian Republics, India, and Burma.
The early 20th century was a period of significant political upheaval and transformation in East Asia. China, following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, was in the midst of political fragmentation and the rise of regional warlords. Japan, on the other hand, was rapidly modernizing and expanding its influence in the region following its victories in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). This map captures these dynamic changes and provides a detailed view of the region's political boundaries and infrastructural developments as of 1927.
The map features various cartographic elements designed to enhance understanding and usability:
- Scale: The map is scaled at 1:6,969,600, with 110 English statute miles to 1 inch, providing a detailed yet broad view of the region.
- Boundaries: Political boundaries are clearly delineated with distinct colors, highlighting the territories of China, Japan, and adjacent regions.
- Railways: Existing and projected railways are marked, showcasing the growing transportation network essential for economic and military purposes.
- Submarine Telegraph Cables: Important communication lines are indicated, reflecting the technological advancements in telecommunication.
- Treaty Ports: These ports, significant for international trade, are underlined in red, emphasizing their economic importance.
- Topography: Elevations and geographical features are depicted with precision, illustrating the varied landscape of East Asia.
The map’s inclusion of railways and telegraph cables highlights the era's technological advancements and their role in facilitating regional connectivity and economic integration. The delineation of political boundaries offers insights into the geopolitical tensions and colonial interests prevalent in the region during the 1920s. Treaty ports, marked for their economic significance, underscore the international trade dynamics and foreign influences in China and Japan.
Edward Stanford (1827-1904) was a prominent British mapmaker and publisher. A native of Holborn in the heart of London, Edward was apprenticed to a printer and stationer at the age of 14. After his first master died, he worked with several others, including Trelawny W. Saunders of Charing Cross. Saunders oversaw young Edward’s early career, ensuring that he became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Associations with the Society eventually brought Sanders much business and gave him a reputation as a publisher of explorers. As testament to this reputation, the Stanford Range in British Columbia was named for him by John Palliser.
Stanford briefly partnered with Saunders in 1852 before striking out on his own in 1853. He was an agent for the Ordnance Survey, the Admiralty, the Geological Survey, the Trigonometrical Survey of India, and the India Office. He also controlled the maps of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, another lucrative source of income. In 1857, Stanford founded his namesake Geographical Establishment, with Saunders and A. K. Johnston as engravers. Thereafter, Stanford was known for his “library maps”, particularly those of Africa and Asia.
Addresses and Years of Operation:
- 6 Charing Cross, London (1848): Edward Stanford's initial place of employment at Trelawney Saunders' shop.
- 7 and 8 Charing Cross, London (1853): Stanford expanded his shop to these addresses.
- 55 Charing Cross, London (1873): The shop moved to this larger location.
- 12-14 Long Acre, London (1873): Site of the new print works and current flagship store.
- 7 Mercer Walk, London (2019): Stanfords moved to this address, continuing its legacy.
Stanford's work with Chief Cartographer John Bolton, including the 1858 Library Map of Europe, positioned the company as a leader in quality cartography during a time of exploration and colonialism. Their 1862 Library Map of London earned acclaim from the Royal Geographical Society. With the business thriving, Stanford purchased Staunton & Son in 1877 and, upon retiring in 1885, handed over the reins to his son, Edward Stanford II.
As sole agents for Ordnance Survey Maps, the company's influence and reputation grew, culminating in the Stanford’s London Atlas Of Universal Geography, which was presented to Queen Victoria in 1887. The transition into the 20th century saw further integration of retail, print, and cartographic operations at Long Acre.
During World War I, Stanford's became an essential publisher for the War Office. Edward Fraser Stanford took over in 1917, steering the company through the interwar period and innovations, such as the world’s smallest maps in 1922 and the Daily Mail Motor Road Map in 1926.
Withstanding a bombing in WWII, the company continued under the stewardship of John Keith Stanford and was sold to George Philip & Son in 1947. As it adapted to the digital age, Stanfords received the Ordnance Survey Premier Partner status in 2007 and ventured into online mapping and data services.
Stanfords, now an icon for travellers and explorers, has maintained its cultural relevance and retail success well into the 21st century, underpinned by a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cartographic excellence.
![[Hubei, China] Province De Hou-Quang](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/95546.jpg)
![[ Pacific Ocean and America -- The West Indies ] Descripcion De Las Yndias Ocidentales](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/95683.jpg)
![[ Russo-Japanese War ] Last Charge and Capture of Port Arthur](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/96084.jpg)