"Jamaica from the Latest Surveys; Improved and Engraved", Jefferys/Laurie & Whittle
Period: 1794 (dated)
Color: Hand Color
24.3 x 18.3 inches
61.7 x 46.5 cm
Thomas Jefferys was one of the most important English map publishers of the 18th century. His work included prints and maps of locations around the world, but his most notable maps are of North America and the West Indies. He began his career in the map trade in the early 1730s, working as an engraver for a variety of London publishers, and eventually setting up his own shop. In 1746, he was appointed Geographer to the Prince of Wales, and in 1760 he became Geographer to the King. These titles granted access to manuscripts and cartographic information held by the government. In the early 1760s he embarked on an ambitious project to produce a series of English county maps based on new surveys, but ran out of money and filed for bankruptcy in 1766. He then partnered with London publisher Robert Sayer, who reissued many of Jefferys plates and continued to issue new editions after Jefferys' death in 1771. Jefferys' American Atlas and the accompanying West-India Atlas, published post posthumously, are considered his most important cartographic works.
This detailed map of Jamaica shows the parishes, towns and villages, churches, forts, roads, rivers and ponds, harbors, anchorages, soundings, etc. A notation at upper left: "The Negro-towns are Distinguished by a Stroke under the Name." Flanking the title are two large inset plans of the harbors of Bluefields, Kingston and Port Royal. These inset maps are also extremely detailed including the names of some plantations. This map was first issued by Jefferys in 1775; this is the Laurie & Whittle edition.
References: Kapp (MCC-42) #101.
Original outline color on paper with a large fleur-de-lis coat of arms watermark. There is a tiny hole in far western Jamaica and very minor soiling.