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9781780764429

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`In The First Mapping of America, Alexander Johnson tells a fascinating story of the General Survey of British North America and the groundbreaking maps it produced between the end of the Seven Years War in 1764 and the beginning of the American Revolution in 1775. Writing in an accessible and elegant style that will appeal to both scholars and map enthusiasts alike, Johnson lavishly illustrates his book with maps that have rarely been seen. His detailed research adds significantly to our knowledge of how these important surveys laid the groundwork for the explosive growth and dominance of British cartography in the nineteenth century.' - David Rumsey, Founder, David Rumsey Map Collection, `The First Mapping of America demonstrates how the General Survey is of importance far beyond the fields of colonial American and cartographic history. Skilfully weaving together multiple and complex threads - administrative, political, technical, and biographical - the author demonstrates how the General Survey, as the intended basis for long-term administrative and political decisions, was regarded as being central to the ups and increasing downs of British government policy in North America after 1765. The book sheds new light on the workings of British government and colonial administration in the mid- to late eighteenth century and has much of significance for constitutional and cultural historians and historians of science. Whether in the palaces, offices and taverns of London, or in the forests and swamps and off the coasts of North America, it is replete with stories of human interest that are clearly and elegantly recounted.' - Peter Barber, Emeritus Curator of Maps, British Library and author of The Map Book,- `In The First Mapping of America, Alexander Johnson makes the true story behind many of the foundational maps of the United States and Canada come alive for the first time after 250 years. A captivating must read , it is a drama of scientific discovery under extraordinary circumstances, and of personal ambition, rivalry, and political intrigue on the eve of the American Revolution.' - Daniel Crouch, Daniel Crouch Rare Books

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Alexander Johnson is an international authority on historical cartography. He has been a Senior Consultant in Cartography to Christie's in London and was formerly head of the map department at one of the world's leading antiquarian book dealers in New York.

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