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Description

Wall Map Version of Napoleon's Grand Army Marches on Russia

Rare separately published broadside and map illustrating the Russian Campaign of 1812, published by John Cary.

At the top left corner, Cary reproduces a letter which he received from The Honorable Robert Clifford, dated January 1, 1813:

Sir.

In answer to your question 'Whether I would consider the 4 sheet Map of Russia you are about to publish as of a sufficient scale for all general purposes I do not think I can give you a more satisfactory answer than by sending you a tracing of Bonaparte's late Campaign in Russia, taken from the Skeleton of that very Map.  You will observe that as the Campaign is my sole object, I have only put in those names that relate to it.  The Rivers are the most prominent features.  The post stations & many towns are marked but the names are omitted; the former serve as an Itinerary scale, the latter as points of comparison, and refer entirely to your map.  I sent you this as a sample of what I consider maps made for any particularly purpose should be.  I have also sent you some notes referring to the Campaign and you are at full liberty to make what use you please of the whole and am Yours &c. &c..

Robt. Clifford.

J. Cary having thankfully availed himself of the above offer bets to observe that the Map of Russia will be published in the course of a few weeks.

Rarity

OCLC notes 1 example (Brown University).

Condition Description
Backed on original linen. Uniform toning and some soiling.
John Cary Biography

John Cary (1755-1835) was a British cartographer and publisher best known for his clean engraving and distinct style which influenced the entire map industry. Born in Wiltshire, John was apprenticed to an engraver in London. He started his own business by 1782 and moved to several premises before settling at 86 St James’s Street in 1820.

Cary had several significant collaborations during his career. John Wallis and Cary diversified Cary’s business to include broader publishing projects. Brother William and John made globes together, while brother Francis participated in the company’s engraving work. Finally, geologist William Smith and Cary developed and sold geological maps, some of the first of their kind. The pair also produced a notable series of county maps starting in 1819. Cary’s atlases, of English counties and the world, were the standard texts of the early nineteenth century. He was appointed surveyor of roads to the General Post Office in 1794, which led to the New Itinerary, first published in 1798.  

John trained his son, George, in engraving and George and his other son, John Jr., took over the business in 1821. It was then known as G. and J. Cary and continued in trade until 1850. The firm’s materials were then acquired by George Frederick Cruchley and then Gall and Inglis. By the time John died in 1835, Cary was the authoritative name in private map publishing and his business was a leader in the field throughout the first half of the nineteenth century.