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Description

Rare early English Sea Chart of Cuba, with 6 inset harbor plans along the bottom, published in London by J.W. Norie.

The chart was drawn during the decade of the 1820s, a fascinating period in Cuban history, when the independence movements in South America were inspiring separatists and Cuban nationalism. Numerous secret societies emerged, including the so-called "Soles y Rayos de Bolívar", founded in 1821 and led by José Francisco Lemus, the "Expedición de los Trece" (Expedition of the 13) in 1826, the "Gran Legión del Aguila Negra" (Great Legion of the Black Eagle) in 1829, and later the "Cadena Triangular" (Triangular Chain) and the "Soles de la Libertad" (Suns of Liberty) in 1837.

An exceptionally detailed chart of Cuba at the beginning of the 19th century.

The map extends north to include parts of the Bahamas, including Cat Island, Exuma Cays, Holy Ghost Islands, Salt Cay Bank, the Crooked Islands and Los Jumentos.

The insets include:

  • Port Mariel
  • Bahia Honda
  • Havanna
  • Jagua
  • St. Jago de Cuba
  • Guantanimo

Rarity:

The chart is quite rare. We locate no other examples of this state of the chart, although we did locate examples dated 1840 and 1851.

Condition Description
Linen backed. Overall toned and soiled, with a several marginal tears and some cracking to the paper, as is typical for a sea chart of this period.
John William Norie Biography

John William Norie (1772 – 1843) was a publisher of nautical books held in high regard by his contemporaries. He also specialized in nautical charts and was a mathematician. Norie was born in Wapping, London, the eldest of eight children. 

Norie had an apptitude for navigation and chart making. His first work was published in 1796, The Description and Use of Hadley's Quadrant, by William Heather, a chart and instrument seller. Heather then took Norie on as a chart maker and allowed him to run a nautical academy out of Heather's premises on Leadenhall Street. He continued to work for Heather, working out of his shop. 

Norie published many works, but the most famous were A Complete Set of Nautical Tables (1803) and the Epitome of Practical Navigation (1805). Both were reissued throughout the nineteenth century, usually together. The Tables are still issued today. The Epitome became the standard work on navigation; it was so famous that authors C. S. Forester and Jack London both mention the book in their fiction. In addition to the Epitome, Norie wrote the The shipwright's vade-mecum (1822), Plates Descriptive of the Maritime Flags of All Nations (1838), and The naval gazetteer, biographer, and chronologist; new and improved (1842). He also provided pilots with charts that covered practically the entire world's seas--the famous blue-back charts.  

Norie partnered with a financial backer, George Wilson, to buy Heather's business upon Heather's death in 1813. In addition to the nautical academy and the copyright to his books, Norie prospered from the growing business, which he managed. The shop, operating under the sign of the Wooden Midshipman, was called the Navigation Warehouse. It featured in Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son.

Norie retired in 1840. He sold his shares in the business and moved to Edinburgh. He died there, at the age of 71, on Christmas Eve 1843. His company was renamed Norie & Wilson after his retirement. In 1903, the firm merged with rivals and became Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson. It is still in business today.